- Standard Number:
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
December 13, 1978
Mr. Charles H. Butcher, Jr. Manager, Product Safety
Koehring Company
P.O. Box 312
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
Dear Mr. Butcher:
This is in response to your recent letter addressed to Assistant Secretary Eula Bingham concerning the hoisting of workman by load lines of cranes. Your letter was forwarded to this office for response.
The Office of Compliance programming has issued a Program Directive to permit the use of crane suspended working platforms; the Office of Variance Determination has granted a similar variance. In our judgment, the use of a crane suspended working platform under controlled conditions offers the safest means of completing difficult work assignments in certain cases. We feel that in some cases, alternative construction methods are comparatively more hazardous to employees than a working platform suspended by a crane. Therefore, we recognize a crane suspended working platform as indicated in OSHA Program Directive #100-48.
Although general information on injuries was forwarded to us subsequent to the May 2, 1978, meeting, it is our understanding more definitive date was to be supplied. Therefore, any additional explicit accident/injury statistics within your industry on this subject would be appreciated.
Thank you for your continuing interest in safety and health.
Sincerely,
Irving Weisblatt, Acting Director, Federal Compliance and State Programs