The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a proposed rule to extend the compliance date for the crane operator certification requirement by three years to Nov. 10, 2017. The proposal also would extend to the same date the existing phase-in requirement that employers ensure their operators are qualified to operate the equipment.
OSHA issued a final standard on requirements for cranes and derricks in construction work Aug. 9, 2010. The standard requires crane operators on construction sites to meet one of four qualification/certification options by Nov. 10, 2014. After OSHA issued the standard, various parties raised concerns about the requirements. After conducting several public meetings, OSHA decided to extend the enforcement date so the certification requirements do not take effect during potential rulemaking or disrupt the construction industry.
Comments may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, or by fax or mail. For submission details and additional information about the proposed rule, view the Federal Register notice by clicking here. Comments must be submitted by March 12.
OSHA held three stakeholder meetings regarding operator certification/qualification issues in April 2013 and posted detailed notes of the meetings at www.osha.gov/cranes-derricks/stakeholders.html, a Web page devoted to the stakeholder meeting. The Web page also features frequently asked questions to provide additional clarification and address comments and concerns raised by stakeholders.