Taipei is forcing operators of smaller cranes to get safety certificates before December 23 or face heavy fines, bad news for small contractors but good for workers doing high-rise jobs.

• New rules cover man-lift cranes and tower cranes under 3 tonnes, which were previously outside the inspection system.
• Operators must apply for inspection through the designated boiler association before the deadline.
• Working without a valid certificate brings fines starting at NT$50,000 and running up to NT$3 million.
• These small cranes are widely used for sign installation, window cleaning, and light repairs, lifting workers ten metres or more with little oversight.
• Faulty safety devices, tilting crane bodies, and uneven load on the arm can cause fatal accidents.

Outlook: Tower crane operators should adapt easily since there are few of them in the city, but the many small man-lift firms face a rush to get certified before the deadline.