At two public meetings to be held in March, the Crane and Derrick Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will review draft materials on previously discussed issues and address additional issues from the "Anticipated Key Issues for Negotiation" list. Meetings will be held in Washington, D.C., March. 3-5 and March 29-31.

Among the key items to be discussed at the March 3-5 meeting is the issue of safety devices and operational aids. Topping the March 29-31 meeting agenda will be limited requirements for cranes with a rated capacity of 2,000 pounds or less.

The committee is chartered to function as a part of OSHA's rulemaking process to revise the existing standards for cranes and derricks in construction. It’s been nearly 30 years since OSHA has updated safety regulations concerning cranes. Upon reaching a consensus, the committee will submit its recommendation on proposed regulatory language to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

Written comments to the committee must be submitted to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. S-030, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. Comments may also be submitted via fax by calling (202) 693-2350, or electronically to http://ecomments.osha.gov.