Safe Signs

So far as the operator certification component is concerned, Wilkerson advised not to procrastinate and wait until the last minute. “Remember,” he stressed, “it’s not just the sign industry that needs this training. The lines will get longer as this year goes on.”

Editor’s note: Answers to frequently asked questions can be found online: www.osha.gov/cranes-derricks/faq.html

4 New Requirements

According to OSHA, signage installers need to keep in mind these four requirements:

• a pre-erection inspection of tower crane partsuse of synthetic slings in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions during assembly/disassembly work
• assessment of ground conditions
• qualification or certification of crane operators; and
• procedures for working in the vicinity of power lines

Crane Operator Training

OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction Rule 29 CFR Part 1926 requires that every crane operator be certified by November 10, 2014.

The International Sign Association (ISA) Crane Training program includes three days of training followed by a Core Written Exam, a Telescopic Boom Crane – Fixed Cab (TSS) Specialty Written Exam, and a Telescopic Boom Crane – Fixed Cab (TSS) Practical Exam allowing companies to comply with the new requirements.

Cost includes written and practical exam fees and all training materials:

ISA Member Rate: Early Bird Registration (15 days prior to first day of event): $995; Registration 14 days prior to first day of event: $1045

Nonmember Rate: Early Bird Registration (15 days prior to first day of event): $1495; Registration 14 days prior to first day of event: $1545

Training courses also include Signal Person and Rigger Certification.

Registration:

Download and complete the ISA Crane Training Registration Form and return to ISA, via fax to (703) 836-8353, email to education@signs.org or mail at ISA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Tom’s Left Foot

Building damage is bad enough but when truck operators, employees, or innocent bystanders get injured, safety violations are far from a laughing matter. Just ask Tom Neuhengen.

Neuhengen, a 30-year-old staff sergeant in the Wisconsin National Guard, survived two tours in Iraq but almost lost his left foot last fall when a 58,000-pound forklift knocked him down and ran over it on September 18, 2012. The accident happened during a booth teardown at the biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place, Chicago.

“After four surgeries and the use of leeches to keep blood circulating, doctors saved most of the foot, but Neuhengen lost his left heel,” the Chicago Tribune reported in late November. It could be at least a year and another operation before he can walk again, said Neuhengen, who resides in Cudahy, WI, near Milwaukee, and is the spare parts manager for Hermle Machine Co. Surgeons reconstructed the foot using his thigh muscle and skin.

In question are new union rules allowing for smaller work crews. Neuhengen told the Tribune the forklift that hit him had a crew of one, with no spotters. An OSHA investigation is under way as is a $350,000+ lawsuit alleging negligence against the lift-truck driver, subcontractors, and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which is the state agency that owns McCormick Place.