Tag: #craneoperator

Safe Operation of Overhead Cranes

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

First published by Safety+Health an NSC publication

Serious injuries and even death can occur if overhead cranes aren’t inspected and properly used.

Injuries have been reported after workers were struck by a load, or pinched between the load and another object. OSHA’s Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance offers general safety tips for overhead crane operators:

  • Don’t attempt to lengthen wire rope or repair damaged wire rope.
  • Don’t allow a welding electrode to be touched to the wire rope.
  • Use your experience, knowledge and training to assess risks and follow procedures.
  • Never operate a crane and hoist that’s damaged or has any actual or suspected mechanical or electrical problems.
  • Don’t use the wire rope, any part of the crane, hoist, or the load block and hook as a ground for welding.
  • Never remove or obscure warning labels on the crane or hoist.
  • Don’t walk – or allow anyone else to – under a suspended load.
  • Don’t perform any work on a suspended load that requires a worker to be positioned under the load.

McCraren Compliance assists employers in protecting their workers, starting with a comprehensive Work-site Analysis, Hazard Prevention, Controls, and Safety & Health Training.

Please contact us today at 888-758-4757 to learn how we can provide mine safety training and consulting for your business.

OSHA issued a temporary enforcement policy for crane operator certifications from Crane Institute Certification.

Posted on by Sarah

WASHINGTON, DC – To avoid industry confusion and potential disruptions of construction crane projects, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an enforcement policy for crane operator certifications issued by Crane Institute Certification (CIC). OSHA requires crane operators engaged in construction activity to be certified by an entity accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. CIC no longer holds such accreditation.

The policy explains that, although CIC-issued certifications are not compliant with OSHA’s operator certification requirement, OSHA does not intend to cite employers for operating equipment that violates that requirement if their operators, in good faith, obtained CIC-issued certifications prior to December 2, 2019, with the belief the certifications met the standard’s requirements. Until further notice, OSHA will not accept CIC certifications – including re-certifications – issued on or after December 2, 2019.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.