SC&RA helps assure better crane operating rules in Cincinnati USA

An advocacy effort supported by SC&RA has resulted in new crane rules in Cincinnati, Ohio that are far more favorable to the association’s members and the industry overall than those included in the original proposal, according to SC&RA.

The ordinance passed by the City Council of Cincinnati, Ohio by an 8-0 vote on April 27 removed a proposed requirement that cranes working within the city’s limits must be less than 20 years old. SC&RA had written to Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley on April 20, arguing that the important issue involved operation and maintenance of the equipment rather than its age.

“Both the U.S. based organization representing crane manufacturers, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), and its international counterpart, the European Materials Handling Federation (FEM), agree that there is no correlation between a crane’s age and crane accidents,” said the letter signed by SC&RA Vice President Beth O’Quinn. “Proper inspections and maintenance are the true factors in the safety and life of a crane, neither of which are mentioned in the proposed ordinance.”

Under the new rules, crane operators must be certified and the people who work around where cranes operate must undergo safety training. SC&RA supports both aspects of these rules. Cincinnati.com, part of the USA Today network, said the crane-age provision was removed after “construction lobbyists” told the Council that the number was arbitrary and immaterial for properly maintained cranes.

SC&RA also expressed concern about the addition of exorbitant minimum insurance limits requirements. The revised and approved insurance limits are in line with industry norms.