BACKGROUND:
For more than 20 years, MIOSHA has had administrative rule language that addresses connectors performing steel erection riding the headache ball in certain situations. In 2007, MIOSHA moved provisions regarding riding the headache ball to a new, separate standard and worked with the Construction Safety Standards Commission and an advisory committee to add additional provisions to strengthen and make the rules more protective.
ISSUE:
MIOSHA is the only OSHA program in the country that allows ironworkers to ride the headache ball. The rule states that “riding the headache ball is prohibited except when the work area is inaccessible or hazardous to reach by other means.” MIOSHA is not aware of any fatalities or serious accidents in Michigan related to riding the headache ball. In the past there has been strong support for this rule. OSHA has determined this rule is “not at least as effective as” but has not yet taken formal action. The issue has been raised periodically during the past 20 years.
ACTION:
MIOSHA is convening an advisory committee comprised of affected contractor and labor representatives to review federal OSHA’s concerns and provide recommendations on whether to pursue retaining the rule or rescinding it. Applications for advisory committee members were solicited from all sectors of industry. All applications were reviewed, and participants have been selected. The first meeting is tentatively being set for July 29th.
