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The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a final rule that clarifies certain requirements for crane operators and maintains the employer's duty to ensure that crane operators can safely operate the equipment. The final rule will become effective on Dec. 9, 2018; the evaluation and documentation requirements will become effective on February 7, 2019.

Under the final rule — which is a part of the crane and derricks standard that went into effect in 2010 — employers are required to train operators as needed to perform assigned crane activities, evaluate them, and document successful completion of the evaluations. The rule also requires crane operators to be certified or licensed and receive ongoing training as necessary to operate new equipment.