Workers in New York who routinely use cranes to execute their job duties may be interested to learn about a final rule published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The rule explains the certification requirements for crane operators and mandates that employers have to ensure that crane operators are able to operate the equipment safely.
According to the final rule, employers have to train operators in the usage of cranes so that they are able to carry out crane-related work duties. The performance of the crane operators must also be evaluated, and those evaluations must be documented.
For employers who have conducted evaluations on crane operators before Dec. 9, 2018, the evaluations will not have to be redone. However, those employers will have to keep records on when those evaluations were done.
Another requirement specified by the rule is that crane operators not only be licensed or certified, but they also need to receive continuous training in order to use new equipment. The certification of crane operators is based on the capacity and type of crane being used. This aids in making more accredited testing organizations qualified to meet the requirements of OSHA’s certification program.
All of the requirements in the final rule, except the requirements for documentation and evaluation, will be enforceable beginning Dec. 9, 2018. The employers will be required to comply with the documentation and evaluation requirements beginning Feb. 7, 2019.
A personal injury attorney may advocate on behalf of clients who sustain injuries while working on construction site accidents. The attorney may pursue financial compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses or death that resulted from the injuries sustained on the site. Clients may be advised whether third-party liability could be applied to their case.