OSHA proposes extension of cranes and derricks compliance date

Washington – OSHA has proposed delaying the compliance date for crane operator certification while the agency considers a potential rulemaking that would address concerns about the requirements.

The final Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard (.pdf file), issued Aug. 9, requires construction crane operators to meet one of four qualification or certification criteria by Nov. 10, 2014.

On May 22, the agency proposed extending the compliance date to Nov. 10, 2017. According to an OSHA press release, the proposal was prompted by a number of concerns brought up by stakeholders during a series of meetings in April.

Because the concerns could be addressed through a future rulemaking, extending the compliance date will prevent requirement deadlines from occurring during a potential rulemaking effort and will avoid potential disruptions in the construction industry, the press release states.