This week, OSHA issued a final rule delaying implementation of operator certification pursuant to 29 C.F.R. §1926.1427 for a three year period to November 10, 2017.  Section 1926.1427 addresses the training and certification requirements for crane operators in construction and was set to become effective on November 10, 2014.

In February, OSHA proposed the three year extension after significant concerns were raised by the industry regarding whether certification by itself is an accurate measure of an employee’s competence to operate a crane and, in addition, should certification be issued based on both the capacity and type of crane.  The three year extension will allow OSHA time to clarify these issues, as well as extending the time employers must be in compliance. A copy of OSHA’s news release and the final rule can be found here.