30.03.2020

Crane industry classed as ‘essential’

The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the crane, rigging and specialised transport industry will be classed as ‘essential critical infrastructure’ during the outbreak of Covid-19.

The advisory memorandum issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on the identification of essential critical infrastructure workers in response to Covid-19 (see: Essential critical infrastructure workers) outlines essential workers during the crisis and includes ‘crane and rigging industry workers’, as well as truck drivers involved with critical infrastructure and heavy transport.

The designation of critical works is intended to help protect communities, while ensuring functions critical to public health and safety. The memorandum is only intended to be advisory and is not a federal directive or standard.

The chief executive of the SC&RA (Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association), Joel Dandrea, said: “We are pleased that CISA has recognized our industry and its workers as essential critical infrastructure as they play a key role in keeping infrastructure viable. We are grateful that CISA has responded so quickly to our request this week for recognition as essential critical infrastructure.”