Crane Safety A Priority In Charlotte Despite Lack Of Regulations

More than 20 cranes hang above uptown Charlotte with only minimal regulation.

No city or county permits are required, and while state regulations call for daily inspections, contractors are free to choose anyone they deem competent to do the inspection.

Robbie Jones with the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration oversees crane safety. He said the rules on state books, which match federal standards, need updating.

“The crane standards are probably from back in the late ‘60s, and they haven’t changed very much during that time period,” Jones said.

What has changed is how some Charlotte companies are approaching safety.

“We try to be one step ahead,” said crane owner Jason Kenna.

Kenna's family company owns the majority of cranes in Charlotte right now, and while the state doesn't demand it, all of his crane operators, who inspect the cranes daily, have national certification.

“(Every operator) climbs up each section, inspects each section, makes sure all the pins are in, make sure the counterweight is where it needs to be. They give it a thorough inspection,” Kenna said.

But for those walking in uptown, visions of the crane collapse in New York that killed two Friday leave them wary.

“Walking through Charlotte with all the construction going on, it's a big concern of mine. Just a little frightening,” said uptown Charlotte visitor Evita Faison.

State officials said they believe most, if not all, of the companies who have cranes in Charlotte use certified inspectors, and the Labor Department has issued a crane hazard alert in its latest newsletter. Officials said they’re also watching the investigation in New York City very carefully.

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