Late last year the rules and regulations related to persons working in crane and derrick rigging or signaling positions were changed. While these are federal changes, there are state laws and regulations that must also meet or exceed these requirements. These regulations have been changed to try an prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths that have been prevalent in the industry over the years. According to the official website:

It is anticipated that this final standard will prevent 22 fatalities and 175 non-fatal injuries each year.

While that may not sound like a lot of deaths or injuries, the economic and social affects of those deaths and injuries can be huge – especially to the families involved. The final standard addresses issues such as the certification of crane and derrick operators and the qualification of those working in rigging or signaling. What is important to note is that it is an employer’s obligation to ensure that those working in these jobs are either certified or qualified, depending on the federal or state laws that apply.

For those working in the industry, or proposing to work in the industry, undertaking formal training in these areas is vital. While federal rules have set minimum standards, some states have exceeded those rules and put in place more stringent regulations so it advisable to seek the most comprehensive training available. You should certainly be looking for training programs that exceed the minimum requirement.

ATS Crane Operator Schools now offer OSHA Compliant Rigging & Signal Person training. Our standards are purposely set higher than the minimum to ensure that students receive comprehensive training that meets the requirements nationwide. If you are working in the industry, or are considering working in this industry, contact us for more information on this training program.

Mention OSHA and contractors, managers and even heavy equipment operators start to get nervous. I don’t know why! If you have received comprehensive training and you implement what you have learned then a visit from the federal government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspector should be a walk in the park.

Despite rumors to the contrary, OSHA inspectors are not the enemy. Like you, they have a job to do and their job is to ensure that all work places are safe. Your job is to follow all the required occupational health and safety requirements. Heavy equipment operators have a important role to play in workplace safety given the power of their machinery.

One of the biggest differences between formally trained and ‘on-the-job’ trained heavy equipment operators is often their knowledge of occupational safety requirements. All accredited training programs like those offered at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools include safety training. This training is in line with federal legislative requirements.

Serious violations of OSHA requirements can bring fines of up to $7,000 each – and that is each offense and each person. What is known as willful offenses ( that is – the blatant disregard for OSHA rules) can cost up to $70,000 each. That is a lot of money which could potentially cripple a business and cost you your job – and your career. The last thing you need is a reputation for being a heavy equipment operator that ignores occupational safety requirements.

It sounds serious, and it is, yet by undertaking a good safety training program and following the safety requirements for each workplace, no heavy equipment operator need fear a visit from the OSHA inspectors.