The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) filed the rules to help ensure prime contractors follow the requirements to operate, assemble, disassemble, or reconfigure tower cranes for construction work.  

“These massive cranes operate directly above residents, workers, businesses, and busy streets, so the need for increased safety measures is clear,” said Craig Blackwood, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “These new rules will help make sure that when tower cranes are being set up or taken down, the company is fully aware of safety requirements.”

The rules are the result of a law passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2024 that created new requirements for tower cranes.

Permit application and safety conference requirements
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, prime contractors will be required to obtain a permit, and follow manufacturers’ instructions, for the operation, assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane. Before issuing the permit, L&I will conduct a safety conference to ensure all parties understand the requirements and responsibilities. 

L&I will consider a prime contractor’s history of safety and health violations as part of the application process. The new rules also reinforce requirements for prime contractors to immediately correct deficiencies affecting the structural integrity or safe operation of the tower crane. 

Tower crane permitting and safety
The 2024 law directed L&I to establish a permit process for any work involving the operation, assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration of a tower crane.

In part, the law was prompted by the April 2019 collapse of a tower crane that was being disassembled in downtown Seattle. Four people were killed when the crane fell, including two workers who were at the top of the crane, and two people in cars below.

The rules were developed with input from industry stakeholders and the public, through multiple public meetings and a public comment period.

L&I will begin accepting permit applications Dec. 5. More information can be found on the tower cranes information web page.