Ministry of Labor Expands Crane Replacement Subsidy to a Maximum of NT$1.4 Million

(CNA, Taipei, June 12, by reporter Wu Hsin-yun) As old mobile cranes often lead to occupational disasters, the Ministry of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced today an expansion of the subsidy for replacing old cranes. In addition to extending the subsidy to small and medium-sized enterprises, it also introduced a new subsidy for maintenance, with a maximum subsidy of NT$1.4 million per vehicle.

The Ministry of Labor held its regular operations report today, where Chen Kuang-hui, head of OSHA's Occupational Safety Division, pointed out that to reduce the safety risks associated with the aging structures of mobile cranes, the relevant subsidy guidelines have been amended. Besides expanding the scope of eligible recipients, a new subsidy for the repair of key components has also been added.

Chen said that large mobile cranes are expensive, often costing millions, so purchasers are typically businesses of a certain scale. To encourage operators to choose new machinery with safety designs, the subsidy has been expanded from small-scale enterprises or self-employed individuals to include eligible small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to statistics, the proportion of cranes over 25 years old being decommissioned is significantly high. Chen said that to better meet practical needs, the standard for identifying old mobile cranes has been lowered from over 30 years from the date of manufacture to over 25 years.

Chen explained that for wheeled or crawler mobile cranes, small-scale enterprises or self-employed operators purchasing new vehicles can receive a subsidy of NT$500,000 to NT$1.4 million per vehicle, depending on the tonnage. For SMEs, the amount is NT$300,000 to NT$1 million. A new subsidy for replacing man-lifting cranes has also been added.

If an employer is unwilling to replace an old crane, Chen said, a new subsidy for the repair costs of the key 'slewing device (turntable)' has been introduced. If the slewing device is repaired by a professional workshop approved by the Occupational Accident Prevention and Reconstruction Center, 50% of the repair cost can be subsidized. If an employer has an event data recorder installed by a professional workshop, a subsidy of NT$200,000 for the installation fee will also be provided.

Chen stated that subsidy applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and acceptance will stop once the annual budget is depleted. He welcomed eligible businesses to prepare the relevant documents and apply promptly.

Furthermore, Chen also mentioned that OSHA today pre-announced that 'bulldozers, excavators, loaders, forklifts, aerial work platforms, and cranes not classified as dangerous machinery' will be designated as 'other specific machinery' under Article 24, Paragraph 1 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Employers must hire operators who have completed government-approved training or passed skill certification. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150612