OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
October 10, 1992
Mr. Paul J. Miller
Vertical Venture
P.O. Box 155
Morton, Pennsylvania 19070-0155
Dear Mr. Miller:
This is in response to your February letter to our Philadelphia Regional Office regarding OSHA's policies on "bungee jumping". We apologize for the delay in responding.
While bungee jumping operations present many potential hazards, OSHA's statutory mandate focuses its concern on the worker safety aspects of this activity. Public safety concerns--involving customers and bystanders--are left to regulation by State and local authorities.
After careful review of your comments and those of many others, we have decided to develop a directive which will give guidance to our compliance personnel as to the conditions under which crane suspended personnel platforms may be safely used by employees of bungee jumping companies. We anticipate that such a directive, which is already under development, will be ready for publication within four months. We will send you a copy of the directive when it is completed.
OSHA compliance officers will continue, as resources permit, to investigate bungee jumping worksites in response to formal employee complaints. Conditions which violate applicable OSHA standards or the "General Duty Clause" of the Act may be cited and appropriate penalties proposed.
I hope that this information will be of use to you. Thank you for your interest in workplace safety and health.
Sincerely,
Roger A. Clark,
Acting Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs