Top Priorities for 2023 Discussed at January Board & Committee Meetings

(January 11,2023) - Last week, as volunteers gathered to kick off SC&RA’s 75th year at the January Board & Committee Meetings, advocacy priorities emerged. For both transportation and crane and rigging, a top priority is permitting, specifically in Massachusetts. This year, SC&RA will be pushing harder within the state for change regarding moving oversize/overweight loads and are currently working to strengthen a coalition on this front. 

On the crane and rigging side, SC&RA will be requesting California’s Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board appoint an advisory board to address concerns raised by the Association regarding crane proof load testing. Several projects are underway in 2023 and are expected to be completed this year including the boom dolly e-learning module and the Safety Talks e-learning modules. The last project underway is developing best practices on the types and selection of supporting materials, such as mats, pads, dunnage, etc., to reduce load effects imposed on surfaces during load handling equipment/material placement system activities. 

For transportation, SC&RA will continue to advocate for FMCSA grant program language to require “auto-issue” rather than simply “automated” permit systems. Other top priorities in 2023 are: continue to advocate for national and regional harmonization, including harmonization of auto-issue systems, on the condition harmonization policies previously agreed to continue to be implemented; and prioritize five specific states (Utah, Massachusetts, California, Iowa, and North Carolina) for focusing SC&RA’s grass roots advocacy strategies. Finally, SC&RA will continue to advocate for all states to understand and include the unique needs of our specialized loads in their truck parking planning process.

For more information on crane and rigging issues, contact Beth O’Quinn. For transportation issues, contact Chris Smith.