OSHA Revokes CIC’s Accreditation

In a shocking announcement last month (November 2019), the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revoked the accreditation of a previously nationally recognized crane training certification program. Crane Institute Certification (CIC) is no longer nationally accredited, meaning that the program cannot currently certify crane operators in the construction industry. Furthermore, certificates held by current crane operators were immediately invalidated by the move, leaving thousands of working operators without the necessary documentation they need to safely operate cranes and other machinery under OSHA regulations.

Is Accredited Certification Required?

OSHA regulations mandate that all crane operators engaged in construction activity (including the transport of certain building materials and construction-related equipment) be certified by a “nationally recognized and accredited” program. While there are some exceptions for mobile crane operators working in a temporary capacity on construction sites, the vast majority of crane operators (whether self-employed, employed by a contractor, or fulltime construction company employees) must have this certification in order to lawfully work.

If OSHA inspections find crane operators at worksites are not properly certified, the agency has the ability to issue stop work orders and citations that could result in steep fines.

What This Means for Your Crane Operators

Because the revocations of CIC accreditation was so sudden, OSHA has taken a lenient stance on enforcement. In a November 26^th, 2019 press release OSHA stated that:

• CIC-issued certifications are no longer compliant
• OSHA “does not intend” to cite employers if their crane operators obtained CIC certification prior to December 2^nd, 2019 “in good faith”
• CIC certification will “temporarily” not be accepted by OSHA

Alternative OSHA-Approved Certification Programs

Nationwide Crane Training (NCT) currently offers a variety of OSHA-approved crane operator certification programs. These training programs result in operators earning certification accredited by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

Classes are available in:

• Mobile Crane Operator
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• STC Certification

Enrollment for the next cycle of classes is currently underway at NCT facilities in California, Iowa, Alabama and North Carolina.

Additionally, NCT offers NCCCO accredited certification via private classes held at remote facilities across the country.

For more information about NCT, the nationally accredited crane operator certification programs they offer, or about scheduling a class near you, contact us online or call (877) 628-2726.