Skip to main content
Skip global navigation and go to main content

OSHA memo provides guidance on crane operator rule enforcement

Until April 15, Agency will evaluate employers’ good faith efforts to meet documentation requirements

Posted February 14, 2019

In a February 7 memo to regional administrators and state plan designees, OSHA said that while it will be fully enforcing the requirement that employers must evaluate their operators before allowing them to operate cranes independently, the Agency will provide some leeway on the enforcement of the documentation requirement until April 15, 2019.

OSHA says it received feedback from the construction industry indicating some employers may need more time to document evaluations of crane operators. Therefore, during the first 60 days of enforcement (until April 15, 2019), OSHA will evaluate good faith efforts taken by employers in their attempt to meet the new documentation requirements for operators of cranes used in construction.

During this period, OSHA says it intends to offer compliance assistance, in lieu of enforcement, for employers who have evaluated operators in accord with the final rule and are making good faith efforts to comply with the new documentation requirement. The memo notes that if it is determined that an employer has failed to make sufficient efforts to comply with the documentation requirement, OSHA should cite for that deficiency.

The Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Operator Qualifications final rule was published November 8, 2018, and had an effective date of February 7, 2019.

Beginning April 15, 2019, OSHA will fully enforce all applicable provisions of the final rule.


OSHA Compliance for Construction Activities ManualJ. J. Keller's OSHA Compliance for Construction Activities Manual explains complex Part 1926 regs in easy-to-understand language.

 

J. J. Keller's FREE Workplace SafetyClicks™ email newsletter brings quick-read safety and compliance news right to your email box.

Sign up to receive Workplace SafetyClicks™.