City of Philadelphia

https://
The https:// in the address bar means your information is encrypted and can not be accessed by anyone else
.gov
Only government entities in the U.S. can end in .gov

Translate

It looks like your device language is set to . Would you like to translate this page?

Tower crane operator break resources

Please note that the Protect Our Workers, Enforce Rights (POWER) Act was signed into law on May 27, 2025, and took effect immediately. The POWER Act amended many of the laws that the Office of Worker Protections enforces, and the Office is in the process of updating all affected materials and regulations. We will be posting updates as they are finalized. Please refer to the text of the POWER Act for current information on the applicable laws that have been affected.

Since December 21, 2022, Philadelphia contractors must provide Tower Crane Operators with breaks. The law requires the following:

  • Tower Crane Contractors must require Tower Crane Operators to descend and then take a 30 minute break every four hours.
  • Tower Crane Contractors must allow Tower Crane Operators to access sanitary facilities upon request.
  • Tower Crane Contractors must notify Tower Crane Operators of their rights under this law and how to file a complaint.

Contractors must keep compliance records for two years, including proof of compliance with all three requirements listed above.

It is illegal to interfere with, restrain or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any right protected under this requirement.

The full Tower Crank Break law can be found in the Philadelphia Code, Chapter 9-3303.

File a complaint

Tower Crane Operators can file a complaint about violations with the Department of Labor by completing the Tower Crane Break complaint form online.

You can also print the complaint form below and mail it to the Office of Worker Protections, or bring it in person to:

Office of Worker Protections
100 S. Broad St., 4th Floor, Room #425
Philadelphia, PA 19110

Contact us about the law

Contractors can contact the Office of Worker Protections in the Department of Labor for compliance assistance. For more information or to ask questions, email workerprotection@phila.gov or call (215) 686-0802. Language access is available.

Name Description Released Format
Tower Crane Break Complaint Form PDF Use this fillable form to report a violation of Tower Crane Operator break requirements. January 19, 2023
Notice Poster to Employees – Tower Crane Break Law PDF A printable poster with information about this law's requirements. Employers must post this information in an accessible location where other notices are posted. January 26, 2024
Tower Crane Operator Break Log Template PDF Template for tracking required breaks for Tower Crane operators June 1, 2023

Top