An uncertified crane operator is involved in an incident at your jobsite and now you’re getting a phone call. How did this happen? Why did this happen? As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure your crane operators are certified and this is usually done through a third party, such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). 

Certifications are necessary for operators in the construction industry both by type and capacity of the crane. They must be 18 years or older and pass both a written and practical exam. Certifications are valid for 5 years.

What happens if one of my crane operators is not certified? 

Each state has their own set of compliances, so be aware of the regulations that pertain to you. OSHA has penalties for certification and safety violations ranging from around $16,500 to over  $100,000. And, if you are working in multiple states, you have to consider all regions. 

If your business, or your employee(s), are not certified, you may not even get a quote from an insurance career. If you are able to be quoted, the uncertified operator may be excluded from the policy altogether.

How are claims affected when an uncertified crane operator is involved in an incident?

The consequences could include a complete denial of the claim or a reduced payout. Your company could be seen as negligent if you show multiple certification gaps. 

From a legal perspective, even with contracts in place, lack of certification can void indemnification clauses.

What happens after an OSHA violation involving an uncertified crane operator?

The first thing you lose is time. OSHA will need to come in for inspections and these could take days to weeks. 

You will also need to replace the uncertified crane operator(s) and will need to hire people fast at most likely premium rates. 

You will lose money and clients and team. Once news spreads about your violations, your company reputation is forever damaged. Current clients, as well as any new prospects, could have negative feelings around the trust they can put into your company. Operators want to work for companies that prioritize safety and will see OSHA violations as a red flag. Strong safety records lead to more bids won. 

You might lose lenders. If you need credit, the bank is going to review any safety violations, putting you at a lesser risk of success. 

What is the process for getting crane operators certified and how can I stay on top of it?

OSHA didn’t drop the certification requirement, but in 2018 they made a major revision to the former language. OSHA shifted from mandatory certification to mandatory qualification.

There are four ways to be qualified. Work with a third party like the NCCCO; your company can offer an in-house qualification; there are military training/license options for specific crane types;  licensing done by a government entity for state/local requirements. Some states still require licensing, over and above the OSHA requirements. Those states are: Califorina, Washington, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland and Connecticut.

And while OSHA's standard allows employer-based qualification programs, most insurance carriers require a third-party certification or extensively documented employer qualification programs that meet or exceed certification standards.

The costs per operator certification range from around $400-$1,000 due to differences due to complexity, type and number of specialties. 

For instance, if your operator is using mobile, overhead and tower cranes, that is different from an operator only using one of those options. There is a practical exam for each crane type. Each written and practical exam taken per operator is at a cost. 

The benefits are many. Not only are you complying with OSHA, you are also showing potential employees you put their safety first and invest in retaining talent. Companies that invest in certification typically see lower incident rates. 

Insurance benefits, like a 10-15% reduced premium rate, are also benefits to getting your crane operators certified. When you have documented training programs in place, carriers take notice.

Use calendars or project management software to set up deadlines before crane operators in your company will need to renew their certification. 90 days out is a good timeline.

If you do additional training, beyond certifications, ensure you document it. 

Review your current insurance policy's operator qualification requirements and work with your HR team on hiring requirements and onboarding.

At Emery and Karrigan, we provide ongoing education and resources to help clients stay ahead of evolving safety standards because your success is our legacy. We don't just provide insurance, we integrate with your operations to help you avoid these scenarios entirely.

Review your crane operator certifications today. If you need help understanding how your current safety program impacts your insurance costs, please reach out.