The agreement between OSHA and the NCCCO is a continuation of the original agreement that was signed in 1999. It recognizes certification by NCCCO, a private sector certifying organization, as documentation that an operator meets OSHA's requirements for crane operator training and provides incentives for employers to have their operators qualified through the NCCCO program.
"The ability of crane operators to safely operate mobile cranes plays a significant role in overall safety on most construction sites," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "Therefore, it is very important that these crane operators are well trained. This certification program provides evidence-in a highly professional and effective manner-that such training has taken place and that it will continue to help reduce the number of crane incidents."
Under the agreement, OSHA compliance safety and health officers will recognize NCCCO certification as independent verification that certified crane operators have met OSHA's training requirements. Having NCCCO certified crane operators on a project would be an indication of the contractor's commitment to an effective safety and health program and contribute to the project's qualification for a "Focused Inspection" by OSHA.
"Three and a half years after the signing of the agreement recognizing the NCCCO national crane operator certification program, NCCCO is delighted to have this reaffirmation of support by OSHA," said NCCCO President Ronald Schad, president, Essex Crane Rental Corp., Buffalo Grove, Ill. "This is a tribute to the effectiveness of this national assessment of crane operators in providing evidence that certified operators are meeting OSHA's requirements for crane operator qualifications as well as those of the ASME B30.5 American National Standard."