OSHA issues guidance on evaluating crane operators

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued enforcement guidance on the requirements for evaluating crane operators that became effective Feb. 7, 2019.

OSHA is enforcing the requirement that employers must evaluate their operators before allowing them to operate cranes independently. However, until April 15, 2019, OSHA intends to offer compliance assistance, in lieu of enforcement, for those employers who have evaluated operators in accordance with the final rule and are making good faith efforts to comply with the new documentation requirement.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.