Crane accidents can result in serious and even fatal accidents. One way to prevent these tragic accidents is to make sure crane operators are adequately trained and certified. After multiple complaints from the construction industry about the lack of proper training and certification, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finally proposed some changes.
On May 18, 2018, OSHA proposed an update to its crane safety rules. OSHA changed certain provisions and added new minimum operator competency requirements. The agency further proposed to remove a current provision requiring multiple certification levels based on an equipment’s lifting capacity. In its place, OSHA proposed a change to clarify that testing organizations do not need to issue capacity-based certifications. However, they are still allowed to do so – just not mandated.
“Under the proposed rule, a change to the categories of certifications for crane operators would ensure more operators are able to meet the requirement,” OSHA wrote in a trade release. “The proposal discontinues a 2010 requirement, which never went into effect, that crane operator certification must include the crane lifting capacity for which the operator is certified. The proposal would expand the type of certification programs for crane operators.”
What This New Proposal Really Means
This new rule requires every newly hired crane operator to be properly evaluated by his or her new employer before he or she is allowed to operate a crane on the job. As such, on their first days of work with a new employer, crane operators are considered trainees until their competency and skills are properly tested.
The OSHA proposal also requires employers to test crane operators on their judgment about wind speed and other environmental factors. Similarly, employers will also have to determine whether their crane operators have the capacity to operate cranes in special conditions, such as tight space, near power lines or from a barge.
Protecting the Rights of Injured Construction Workers
Construction site accidents, specifically crane accidents, can seriously injure or kill construction workers as well as innocent bystanders. These victims and their loved ones may have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
At Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., we understand the consequences that construction site accidents have on the lives of victims and the lives of their loved ones. In fact, senior partner and lead trial attorney Jeff S. Korek grew up in the construction industry and has first hand knowledge of the inherent dangers in this kind of work. Such experience allows us to aggressively fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation that you deserve.
We Can Help You If Your Are Injured
When you are injured in a construction site accident, you need to hire an experienced New York construction injury attorney to protect your legal rights. The attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek P.C. have more than 30 years of experience and knowledge to aggressively fight for your rights and get you the full extent of the monetary compensation that you deserve.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our New York construction injury attorneys, please call 1-800-529-9997.
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