OSHA News

Steel Erection Standard Takes Effect January 2002

OSHA's final rule covering steel erection will take effect January 18, 2002. The rule, which was published in the January 18, 2001 Federal Register, had been scheduled to take effect July 18, 2001.

The new effective date gives the industry additional time to become familiar with the new requirements and to provide training to employees in the construction industry. The additional six months will also allow employers time to make the necessary changes to avoid costly re-fabrication of already made components and avoid serious delays in current projects. Components are typically fabricated two or three months prior to being erected.

OSHA will not apply the component requirements of the new standard to the following two situations: to components used in steel erection projects where the building permit was obtained before the final rule was published; and to components used in steel erection projects in which the steel erection work has begun before September 16, 2001.

The standard addresses the hazards that have been identified as the major causes of ironworker injuries and illnesses. These are hazards associated with working under loads; hoisting, landing and placing decking; column stability; double connections; landing and placing steel joints; and falls to lower levels. The rule requires the controlling contractor to provide steel erectors with a safe site layout and a site-specific plan for steel erection.

The final rule covers all workers engaged in steel erection activities. It does not apply to electric transmission towers, communication towers, broadcast towers, water towers or tanks. This is the first OSHA safety standard developed under the Department of Labor's negotiated rulemaking policy, which takes input from employers, employee groups and the government to expedite a final rule and reduce the potential for litigation.