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DOL/OSHA RIN: 1218-AC96 Publication ID: Spring 2019 
Title: Crane Operator Qualification in Construction 
Abstract:

This rulemaking, finalized and now in effect, identified criteria for employers to follow to ensure their crane operators are completely qualified to operate cranes safely on construction work sites. In the 2010 final cranes standard, the Agency established crane operator certifications as the sole criterion for operator safety. Certification is virtually always provided by third-party testing entities. Following publication of the final crane standard, stakeholders informed the Agency that certification did not by itself establish a safe enough level of experience and competence--employers must be responsible to ensure that crane operators are qualified. The Agency responded by publishing a final rule postponing the deadline for operator certification and extending the employer duty to permit the Agency to conduct rulemaking, if necessary, on operatory qualification. This rulemaking also clarified issues surrounding operatory certification, including the "type and capacity" requirement from the 2010 final construction cranes standard. Establishing clear benchmarks for employers to follow to ensure crane operator competence is essential for construction work site safety. On August 30, 2017, OSHA proposed an extension of the effective date for one year to allow adequate time for the proposed rule to be published and finalized.  On November 9, 2017, OSHA published the final rule for this extension. Employers will continue to benefit from the protections of the current requirements during the delay.  On May 20, 2018, OSHA proposed revisions of the 2010 final crane standard that address concerns of the construction industry about crane operator qualifications.  The public comment period for the proposed rule was extended to July 5, 2018.  Under consideration of the comments, the Crane Operator Qualification in Construction rule was finalized on November 9, 2018 and went into effect on December 10, 2018.

 
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 13771 Designation: Deregulatory 
CFR Citation: 29 CFR 1926   
Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b)   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Proposal to Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH)  03/31/2015 
NPRM; Crane Operator Certification Extension (1218-AD22)  08/03/2017  82 FR 41184   
NPRM; Crane Operator Certification Extension (1218-AD22) Comment Period End  09/29/2017 
Final Rule; Crane Operator Certification Extension (1218-AD22)  11/09/2017  82 FR 51986   
Final Rule; Crane Operator Certification Extension Effective  11/09/2017 
NPRM: Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Operator Qualification   05/21/2018  83 FR 23534   
NPRM: Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Operator Qualification Comment Period Extended  06/20/2018  83 FR 28562   
NPRM: Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Operator Qualification Comment Period Extended End  07/05/2018 
Final Rule  11/09/2018  83 FR 56198   
Final Rule Effective  12/10/2018 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Scott Ketcham
Director, Directorate of Construction
Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-3468, FP Building,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone:202 693-2020
Fax:202 693-1689
Email: ketcham.scott@dol.gov