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OSHA Crane Operator Requirements

In July 2010 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published new rules governing construction crane operators. The regulations replace rules dating to the early 1970s and are designed to promote safer workplaces. According to the Center for Construction Research and Training, there were 632 crane-related construction worker deaths between 1992 and 2006 for an average of 42 fatalities per year. (See Resources for the full text of the regulations).

  1. Certification for Crane Operators

    • Crane operators must be certified by an accredited crane operator testing organization, such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), or qualified by an audited employer program. Employers have up to four years to ensure that their operators are qualified or certified and must pay for any training required. Certification will ensure that operators are familiar with the hazards associated with their jobs and how to prevent accidents.

    Safe Assembly of Equipment

    • Tower cranes must be inspected before they are erected. They must be assembled according to manufacturers' guidelines to prevent the equipment from collapsing. Assembly must be done under the supervision of a qualified person who understands factors such as ground condition, stability, load capacity, preventing boom-hoist-brake failure and the effects of wind speed and weather.

    Power Lines

    • Employers must clearly mark the work area to prevent crane operators from accidentally coming into contact with power lines. If the work area is within 20 feet of a power line, the employer must follow specific requirements to either ensure that the power to the line is cut off or provide warning devices to prevent contact with the line.

    Regular Inspections

    • A detailed inspection of the crane equipment must be done every year. Equipment that has been modified or repaired must be checked to see if its safety has been compromised. The crane must be thoroughly inspected after it has been assembled and a visual inspection of the equipment must be done before or during each shift.

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