Crane operators take note: OSHA will not accept crane operator certifications or re-certifications issued by Crane Institute Certification (CIC) after December 2 because CIC is not compliant with OSHA’s operator certification requirement, according to a temporary enforcement policy announced this week by the agency.

The move comes in response to the CIC informing OSHA that it is not currently accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency – something required in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule.

"Good faith" will be taken into account

However, in an effort to eliminate confusion in the construction industry, OSHA says it “will consider whether crane operators acting in good faith obtained certifications issued by CIC prior to December 2, 2019 believing they met the requirements of the standard. Where such good faith is found, employers should not be cited for violating the operator certification requirement of 29 CFR 1926.1427(d). This policy will only apply until the expiration date listed on each certificate (that date cannot exceed the 5-year maximum specified in 29 CFR 1926.1427(d)(4)).”

In a statement, OSHA notes that “CIC was previously accredited, and even after its accreditation lapsed, many employers may have acted in good faith by obtaining crane operator certifications from CIC that they believed would comply with OSHA’s requirements.”

OSHA said it will revisit this policy if and when CIC produces evidence that it is accredited in accordance with the requirements.