OSHA Proposes Extending Crane Operator Certification Requirement to 2017

OSHA proposes three-year extension for compliance date of its cranes and derricks standard issued in 2010

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule to extend the compliance date for the crane operator certification requirement by three years to November 10, 2017. The proposal would also extend to the same date the existing phase-in requirement that employers ensure that their operators are qualified to operate the equipment.

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OSHA issued a final standard on requirements for cranes and derricks in construction work on August 9, 2010. The standard requires crane operators on construction sites to meet one of four qualification/certification options by November 10, 2014. After OSHA issued the standard, a number of parties raised concerns about the qualification/certification requirements. After conducting several public meetings, OSHA decided to extend the enforcement date so that the certification requirements do not take effect during potential rulemaking or cause disruption to the construction industry.

Comments may submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal or by facsimile or mail. See the Federal Register notice for submission details and additional information about this proposed rule. Comments must be submitted by March 12, 2014.

OSHA held three stakeholder meetings on operator certification/qualification issues in April 2013 and posted detailed notes of the meetings at http://www.osha.gov/cranes-derricks/stakeholders.html. A list of frequently asked questions are also posted on OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction web page to provide additional clarification and address some comments and concerns raised by stakeholders.

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