WASHINGTON,
DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced a proposed rule
to increase the safety of America’s construction sites. In addition to
providing long-term clarity regarding crane operator certification
requirements, the proposal reinstates the employer duty to ensure that a crane
operator is qualified to safely operate equipment.
Under the proposed rule, a change
to the categories of certifications for crane operators would ensure more
operators are able to meet the requirement. The proposal discontinues a 2010
requirement, which never went into effect, that crane operator certification
must include the crane lifting capacity for which the operator is
certified. The proposal would expand the type of certification programs
for crane operators.
Comments on the proposed rule may be
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. Comments must be submitted by June
20, 2018.
OSHA recently
published a final rule extending the operator certification compliance date until
November 10, 2018, in order to provide the agency with additional time to
complete this rulemaking to address stakeholder concerns related to the Cranes
and Derricks in Construction standard.
Under the Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful
workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions
for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and
providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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