Centreville, VA – The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association received notice today from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirming the U.S. crane, rigging, and specialized transportation industry and its workers as Essential Critical Infrastructure.

In Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce issued today, March 28, 2020 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry and its workers were mentioned as essential critical infrastructure under “Transportation and Logistics:”

“Workers including truck drivers, railroad employees and contractors, maintenance crew, and cleaners supporting                               transportation of chemicals, hazardous, medical, and waste materials to support critical infrastructure, capabilities, functions, and services, including specialized carriers, crane and rigging industry workers.”

CISA executes the Secretary of Homeland Security’s authorities to secure critical infrastructure. Consistent with these authorities, CISA developed, in collaboration with other federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector, an “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list.

This list is advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard. Additionally, this advisory list is not intended to be the exclusive list of critical infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions that should continue during the COVID-19 response across all jurisdictions. Individual jurisdictions should add or subtract essential workforce categories based on their own requirements and discretion.   

“We are pleased that CISA has recognized our industry and its workers as essential critical infrastructure as they play a key role in keeping infrastructure viable,” said SC&RA CEO Joel Dandrea. “We are grateful that CISA has responded so quickly to our request this week for recognition as essential critical infrastructure.”