Cranes and derricks in construction: Operator qualification (final rule)

Published in the November 2018 issue of Washington Update

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule updating the agency's standard for cranes and derricks in construction by clarifying each employer's duty to ensure the competency of crane operators through training, certification or licensing, and evaluation. OSHA is also altering a provision that required different levels of certification based on the rated lifting capacity of equipment. While testing organizations are not required to issue certifications distinguished by rated capacities, they are permitted to do so, and employers may accept them or continue to rely on certifications based on crane type alone. Finally, this rule establishes minimum requirements for determining operator competency. This final rule will maintain safety and health protections for workers while reducing compliance burdens. Agency Contact: Mr. Vernon Preston 202-693-2020.

PUBLISHED: 11/9/2018; ACTION: Final Rule; REFERENCE: 83 FR 56197; REG: 29 CFR Part 1926; Effective: December 10, 2018.

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