The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) creates workplace requirements that help protect the safety and health of workers in the United States and reduce the thousands of illnesses, injuries and deaths that take place each year on the job. OSHA requirements for the use of tag lines protect workers involved in large lifting and hoisting operations, because tag lines help hold large loads in place when hanging in the air.
Cranes and Derricks
OSHA guidelines require workers to use tag lines with cranes and derricks. Tag lines help hold loads dangling from cranes and derricks in place. However, OSHA regulations specify that workers should not use tag lines in crane and derrick operations if the tag lines create a safety hazard for workers.
Hoisting Materials
Whenever workers hoist heavy construction materials with hoisting equipment, they should use tag lines to control the loads, according to OSHA requirements.
Hoisting Steel
Workers erecting structural steel should use tag lines to control moving loads of steel, says OSHA.
2010 Oil Spill Cleanup
The OSHA oil spill cleanup guidelines require workers on shore or in shallow water on jet skis to wear a long shirt and long pants or overalls while handling tag lines. Workers should also wear safety gloves, protective eyewear, shoes with traction, life vests and hard hats.