1. OSHA National Alliances
  2. Crane, Hoist and Monorail (CHM)

Crane, Hoist and Monorail (CHM)

(signed October 05, 2005; renewed October 29, 2007; renewed November 21, 2012; renewed February 02, 2016)
Signatories are:
  • Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA)
  • Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI)
  • Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA)

Through the OSHA and CHM Alliance, the organizations are committed to providing their members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help to protect the health and safety of workers who manufacture and use cranes, hoists, and monorails, as well as promote a better understanding of worker rights and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act). The Alliance will specifically work to reduce workplace incidents and prevent worker exposures to electrical shock/electrocution, falls from elevations, and being struck by moving equipment. The Alliance goals include:

Raising Awareness of OSHA's Rulemaking and Enforcement Initiatives
  • Share information on OSHA's National Emphasis Programs, Regulatory Agenda, and opportunities to participate in the rulemaking process.
  • Disseminate information on occupational safety and health laws and standards, including the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
Outreach and communication
  • Develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards (such as electrical shock/ electrocution, falls from elevations, and being struck by moving equipment) and to develop ways of communicating such information (e.g., print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools, and OSHA's and the CMAA's, HMI's, and MMA's websites) to employers and workers in the industry.
  • Speak, exhibit, or appear at OSHA's or the CHM Partners' conferences, local meetings, or other events, such as ProMat, MODEX, and CMAA's, HMI's, and MMA's semi-annual membership meetings.
  • Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding best practices (or effective approaches) and new technology through training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum) developed by the participants.
Then-Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels (seated center) with representatives of the CHM Alliance at the Alliance renewal ceremony on February 2, 2016.

Then-Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels (seated center) with representatives of the CHM Alliance at the Alliance renewal ceremony on February 2, 2016.

Products and Resources

Alliance Program Participant Developed Products
    Fact Sheets
    • Fact Sheet No. 1: Proper Inspection and Maintenance of Overhead Cranes and Hoists (PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with inspection and maintenance of overhead cranes and hoists, including information on standards, reference manuals, and safety tips for the application and operation of overhead material handling equipment. (Spanish translation 2010, July 01). (2006, September 01).
    • Fact Sheet No. 2: Hoists, Cranes, Pullers - Safety & Warning Labels and Test Certification (PDF), Spanish (Spanish - PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with safety and warning labels test certification, including information concerning items that operators and inspectors need to know when purchasing, installing or using hoist, crane and puller equipment. (Spanish translation 2010, March 01). (2006, September 01).
    • Fact Sheet No. 3: Proper Inspection of Wire Rope Used on Hoist (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with the inspection of wire ropes used on hoists, including information to determine if a wire rope is damaged and should be replaced. (2011, June 01).
    • Fact Sheet No. 4: Radio Controls Can Enhance Safety and Productivity (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a fact sheet addressing issues associated with radio controls improving safety and productivity when used with overhead cranes. (2012, December 01).
    • Fact Sheet No. 5: Crane Components That Can Improve Safety, Reliability, and Maintenance (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed fact sheet addressing crane components that can improve safety, reliability, and maintenance, including horns, warning/crane lights, and walkways. (2012, December 01).
    Safety Tips Cards
    • Overhead Crane Safety Tips Card: General Tips (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a safety tips card addressing issues associated with overhead crane safety, including general safety tips for overhead crane operators. (2010, September 01).
    • Overhead Crane Safety Tips Card: Before Each Shift (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a safety tips card addressing issues associated with overhead crane safety, including tips for overhead crane operators to follow before each shift or before the crane is used each shift. (2010, September 01).
    • Overhead Crane Safety Tips Card: Before Operating the Crane and Applying the Load (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a safety tips card addressing issues associated with overhead crane safety, including tips for overhead crane operators to follow before operating cranes and applying loads. (2010, September 01).
    • Overhead Crane Safety Tips Card: Operating the Crane and Moving the Load (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a safety tips card addressing issues associated with overhead crane safety, including tips for crane operators to follow while operating a crane and moving loads. (2010, September 01).
    • Overhead Crane Safety Tips Card: Parking the Load (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a safety tips card addressing issues associated with overhead crane safety, including tips for overhead crane operators to follow before parking the load. (2010, September 01).
    • Overhead Crane Safety Tips Card: Fall Protection for Overhead Crane Operators and Service Providers (PDF). Through the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance, the Alliance participants developed a safety tips card addressing issues associated with overhead crane safety, including tips for overhead crane operators to follow to prevent falls. (2010, September 01).
    Safety Tips Sheets
    OSHA Safety and Health Topics Pages
    Publications and Newsletters
    • e-Mhove. This edition of MHIA's monthly publication includes an article, "OSHA Alliance Information and Resources Now Available On-line," which describes the goals of the agreement and the specific section of the MHIA Web page that promotes the OSHA and Crane, Hoist and Monorail (CHM). (2006, September 01).
    • on the Mhove. This edition of MHIA's quarterly publication, on the Mhove, includes an article, "OSHA Announces Alliance with CMAA, HMI and MMA," describing the goals of the Alliance agreement. (2005, August 01).
    Additional Resources
    † Alliance Implementation Team members participated in the development of this resource.