OSHA, NCCCO and NCCCO Foundation Join Forces to Enhance Crane Operator Safety
The two-year agreement focuses on four of the biggest workplace issues in construction.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Nov 30, 2023
OSHA has partnered with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) and the NCCCO Foundation to enhance the protection of crane operators by addressing some of the most prominent hazards throughout the construction industry.
Under this two-year agreement, certified crane operators will receive specialized training and resources. These efforts are focused on mitigating risks associated with the four major construction workplace issues: falls, being caught in or between objects or machinery, being struck by objects or equipment, and electrocution.
"Workers who operate or work near cranes can face serious and potentially life-threatening hazards if they are not properly trained or protected," OSHA Assistant Secretary of Labor Doug Parker said in a statement. "Our alliance with these industry leaders focuses on training workers and working with employers to make safety and health a core value by implementing best industry practices to ensure workers' safety."
The alliance will not only provide essential training but also engage in the creation of safety alerts tailored for employers, crane operators and those working in proximity to cranes. These alerts will stem from a thorough analysis of data, trends and incident reports. Furthermore, the alliance will tackle safety concerns around crane loads, update stakeholders on OSHA's load-handling regulations and enforcement and clarify certification and evaluation requirements.
The collaboration extends to assisting employers and operators in adhering to OSHA regulations. It will also foster relationships between the CCO's test sites and OSHA's field offices, facilitating training opportunities for both crane certificants and OSHA personnel.
Established in 1995, the CCO has been pivotal in developing performance standards for safe load-handling equipment operation. The NCCCO Foundation, formed in 2018, is a charitable entity focused on research, advocacy for personnel safety and certification and providing access to education and training for youth, military personnel and underserved communities.
Through its Alliance Program, OSHA collaborates with diverse organizations to disseminate information about its initiatives and compliance assistance resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.