New York Personal Injury News & NYC Legal Current Events

New Rules For Licensing Of Crane Operators

The construction industry is one of the more dangerous injuries for workers. Each year thousands of construction workers end up in the hospital as a result of an accident on the job site. The very nature of the job puts many workers at risk of serious or even fatal accidents. While those working on a construction site are vulnerable to accidents, pedestrians and people in the area surrounding the work site are also at risk of injury. For this reason, all safety precautions must be taken to reduce accidents and prevent injuries.

One step which may improve safety in the construction industry, specifically in New York will be the way in which Crane Operators are licensed. The New York Daily News reported on new rules which will require crane operators to meet national standards. As it stands, requirements for licensing crane operators are outdated and do not reflect the type of equipment nor conditions of construction sites today.

As reported by the NY Daily News, "Although the towering hoists are taller, heavier, more varied and more complicated than ever before, the Buildings Department has yet to move beyond testing most would-be operators on a single city-owned machine. Nor does the city require periodic re-certification, including checking to see if the operators use drugs, prescription or otherwise."

As the number of incidents involving crane accidents rise, the need for improved safety and training is apparent. By 2014 crane operators will be required by OSHA to meet national standards. Crane operators working in the city are challenged by restricted space and high pedestrian traffic. One mistake can result in the loss of life of the operator, other workers on the site or pedestrians.

With new rules in place regarding license requirements, Commissioner Robert LiMandri is actively working with labor unions and others in the construction industry to establish training and testing that will meet national standards.

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