Question: Does 29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1) apply when employees are operating cranes that fall under 29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and Gantry Cranes, and/or using jib cranes, monorail cranes or fix hoists, for lifting loads indoors and outdoors?
Response: OSHA’s Head protection standard at 29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1) requires employers to ensure that each affected employee wears a protective helmet when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from falling objects.
If an employee(s) has the potential to be in the vicinity of an overhead hazard that could fall and strike them, such as but not limited to lifting a load with a crane or a hoist, then 29 CFR 1910.135(a)(1) would apply and head protection would be required. Please note, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(vi), the employer shall require that the operator avoid carrying loads over people.
Question: What type of protective helmet is acceptable?
Response: 29 CFR 1910.135(b)(1) requires head protection to comply with any of the following consensus standards, that are incorporated by reference in 29 CFR 1910.6: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-2009, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-2003, or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1-1997.
Question: Does the crane operator have to wear a protective helmet, or is it at the discretion of the employer?
Response: The employer is required to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or likely to be present in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1). If the employer determines there is an overhead hazard to the crane operator that would necessitate the use of a head protection, the employer must provide and require the use of the head protection. The employer may choose to always require the wearing of head protection by certain employees or in certain activities as a precautionary measure.