OSHA seeks comment on proposal regarding railroad construction equipment

Pursuant to a settlement agreement from September 2014 between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Association of American Railroads (AAR), OSHA published a proposed rule July 18 regarding railroad construction equipment provisions in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard. OSHA’s proposal will maintain safety and health protections for workers and address employers’ compliance burdens.

The final rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction was published August 9, 2010. AAR filed a petition challenging certain requirements affecting railroad roadway work equipment. OSHA and AAR negotiated a settlement agreement that requires OSHA to propose a rule that will provide clarifications and exemptions affecting work on or along railroad tracks.

Comments to the proposed rule can be submitted electronically online on the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments may also be submitted by mail or fax. See the Federal Register notice for details. Submissions must be received by Sept. 17.