Virginia Senate Bill SB840

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/28/22
• Refer: 12/28/22

Caption

Safety & Health Codes Bd. of Dept. of Labor & Industry; regulation regarding cranes & derricks, etc.

Impact

If enacted, SB840 will introduce specific safety measures that construction project managers and safety engineers can utilize when operating cranes and other lifting machines. The definition of active and passive load stabilization mechanisms is pivotal as it allows for innovative safety solutions that accommodate human input and environmental factors. Furthermore, the bill requires the Department to report any final regulations to the relevant House and Senate committees, ensuring legislative oversight and compliance with federal laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 840 seeks to enhance safety regulations pertaining to cranes and derricks used in construction settings in Virginia. This bill mandates that the Safety and Health Codes Board of the Department of Labor and Industry adopt new regulations for the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program (VOSH). The regulations should enable the use of both active and passive load stabilization mechanisms to prevent hazardous load rotations, thereby improving worker safety on construction sites. The bill reflects an ongoing commitment to updating and enhancing safety protocols in the construction industry.

Contention

While SB840 focuses on improving safety regulations, potential areas of contention may arise concerning the practicality and feasibility of implementing such mechanisms across diverse construction sites. Stakeholders, including construction companies and safety boards, will likely have mixed opinions regarding the costs associated with adopting these new technologies. Additionally, ensuring compliance with both state and federal guidelines may present challenges that could lead to further discussions among lawmakers, industry representatives, and worker advocacy groups.