Question:  After a connector makes a beam-to-column connection and secures one end of the beam with (2) bolts and crosses the beam while it is suspended from the crane hoist line, is that considered “riding the load”?  This issue keeps coming up from owner safety personnel, general contractors, safety consultants and safety representatives from insurance carriers.

Answer:  No, this is NOT considered “riding the load” and is supported by OSHA case law.  The OSHA contended this common connector activity constituted “riding the load” and issued citations under the Federal OSHA jurisdiction and under the California State Approved OSHA Plan.  In both cases, the Administrative Law Judges agreed with our industry position that the above illustration is NOT riding the load and vacated the citations against our contractors. 

Please contact Steve Rank, Executive Director of Safety and Health, at (202) 383-4829 if this issue comes up again in your area or if you require clarification on connector activities.