Washington – An OSHA rule (.pdf file) published Nov. 9 would provide an exemption to the Cranes and Derricks Standard for digger-derrick work.

The Edison Electric Institute previously filed suit against OSHA to amend the Cranes and Derricks Standard, and the two parties settled with the understanding that OSHA would craft a rulemaking exempting digger-derrick operations from the 2010 updated version of the standard.

Coupled with the final rule is an identical proposed rule (.pdf file). If OSHA receives significant adverse comment on the final rule, the agency will proceed with the proposed rule; otherwise, it will move forward with the final rule. Comments are due Dec. 10.