The Cranes and Derricks in Construction final rule was published in August 2010 to update and specify industry work practices to protect employees during the use of cranes and derricks and to address advances in the designs of cranes and derricks, related hazards, and the qualifications of employees needed to operate them safely. Following the publication of the final rule, a number of parties raised concerns that crane operator certification was insufficient for determining whether an operator could safely operate their equipment on a construction site. After several public meetings, OSHA decided to extend the crane operator certification deadline and the existing employer duty for three years to determine how to address this issue.

The agency states it has already begun developing a standard to ensure crane operator qualifications.

For more information, visit the agency’s Web page on cranes and derricks safety at http://bit.ly/oshacranesderricks.