January 10, 2019 – International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

 

Contractors have until February 7, 2019, to conduct an evaluation of individual crane operators for the size and configuration of the crane being operated and specific tasks the crane operator will be performing. Evaluations must be documented and must affirm the operator’s skills and knowledge required to operate the equipment safely as well as the ability to recognize and avert risks associated with the operation.

This rule expands the operator certification requirement (C.F.R. § 1926.1427) that took effect on December 10, 2018, by requiring an on-site evaluation of the operator’s ability to perform assigned hoisting tasks, including blind lifts, hoisting of people, and multicrane lifts. Certification alone is no longer sufficient to demonstrate qualification to operate a crane.

For operators employed prior to December 10, 2018, contractors can provide documentation of previous assessments in lieu of performing new evaluations as long as the operator is still using the same type of equipment.

The attached sheet provides answers to the most commonly asked questions.  For additional information, you may contact your CompTrustAGC Loss Control Consultant.