OSHA is delaying its deadline for employers to ensure that operators of cranes in construction are certified by one year until November 10, 2018. OSHA is also extending its employer duty to ensure that crane operators are competent to operate a crane safely for the same one-year period. This one-year extension provides additional time for OSHA to address stakeholder concerns related to the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard.

See Federal Register Final Rule 82 for more information.

OSHA released an updated Cranes and Derricks in Construction final rule in 2010, replacing a decades old standard issued in 1971. OSHA undertook this extensive rulemaking initiative due to the significant number of fatalities associated with the use of cranes and derricks in construction and the considerable technological advances in equipment since the publication of the original rule.

OSHA’s standard comprehensively addresses key hazards related to cranes and derricks. Significant requirements in the final rule include:

  • Pre-erection inspection of tower crane parts;
  • Use of synthetic slings in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions during assembly/disassembly work;
  • Assessment of ground conditions;
  • Qualification or certification of crane operators;
  • Procedures for working in the vicinity of power lines.

OHSA has published a Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Final Rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction in both html and PDF format in order to summarize and clarify the requirements for employers. OSHA also provides extensive information and compliance resources in the Cranes & Derricks in Construction section of its website.