"Changes in technology and work processes over the past 30 years call for new, revised crane and derrick safety requirements," said agency head John Henshaw.

OSHA expects that a range of issues will be considered, including work zone control, crane operations near power lines, qualifications of individuals who operate, maintain, repair and assemble cranes and derricks, and requirements for fail-safe operation, warnings and other safety-related devices and technologies.

With publication of its intent to enter into negotiated rulemaking - scheduled for the July 16, 2002 Federal Register - OSHA outlines the basic procedures involved in forming a negotiated rulemaking advisory committee to develop a draft proposed rule, identifies the stakeholders who may be affected, solicits nominations for committee members and asks for public comments regarding any aspect of the negotiated rulemaking process. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following the Federal Register notice.