['Forklifts and Powered Trucks']
['PIT Training Requirements', 'Safe Operation of PITs', 'Forklifts and Powered Trucks']
12/02/2024
Standard Interpretation
Subpart O — Motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, and marine operations
Standard Number: | 1926.21(b)(2); 1926.602(d); 1910.178(l) |
July 14, 2016
Mr. Maurice Williams #131696
Baker C1
20706 U.S. Highway 90
Sanderson, FL 32087
Dear Mr. Williams,
Thank you for your May 18, 2016, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. You have a specific question regarding what OSHA certifications are required for individuals interested in employment as a Heavy Equipment Operator. A response to your inquiry is provided below. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated in your original correspondence.
Question: What are the OSHA certification requirements for individuals seeking employment as a Heavy Equipment Operator?
Answer: OSHA does not provide a certification for Heavy Equipment Operators; however, OSHA requires that the employer instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2))
Further, employers must permit only trained and competent employees to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes). All powered industrial truck operators must be trained and certified by their employer. (29 CFR 1910.178(l), 29 CFR 1926.602(d))
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS:
For individuals with no previous experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator, on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs are available. (See below):
Marisa Nixon, Executive Asst. to the Administrator, Office of
Apprenticeship, Employment and Training 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Room C5321 Washington, DC 20210 Phone: (202) 693-3616 E-mail: Nixon.Marisa@dol.gov | Ken Olsen, Director of Apprenticeship Florida Department of Education 325 W. Gaines Street, Room 754 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 Apprenticeship: (850) 245-0454 Phone: (850) 245-9039 Fax: (850) 245-9010 |
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) 1125 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 429-9100 | International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 925 PO Box 398 Mango, FL 33550 Phone: (813) 626-4161 Fax: (813) 623-1381 |
A copy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics', Occupational Outlook for Construction Equipment Operators; OSHA-Operator Specific Sheets for Heavy Equipment and Powered Industrial Truck Use; Powered Industry Truck Operator e-Tool and an Apprenticeship Leaflet are enclosed for your review.
Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. To ensure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at www.osha.gov. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Erskine, Acting Director
Directorate of
Construction
Dear Mr. Williams,
Thank you for your May 18, 2016, letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Directorate of Construction. You have a specific question regarding what OSHA certifications are required for individuals interested in employment as a Heavy Equipment Operator. A response to your inquiry is provided below. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of only the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated in your original correspondence.
Question: What are the OSHA certification requirements for individuals seeking employment as a Heavy Equipment Operator?
Answer: OSHA does not provide a certification for Heavy Equipment Operators; however, OSHA requires that the employer instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2))
Further, employers must permit only trained and competent employees to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes). All powered industrial truck operators must be trained and certified by their employer. (29 CFR 1910.178(l), 29 CFR 1926.602(d))
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS:
For individuals with no previous experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator, on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs are available. (See below):
Marisa Nixon, Executive Asst. to the Administrator, Office of
Apprenticeship, Employment and Training 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Room C5321 Washington, DC 20210 Phone: (202) 693-3616 E-mail: Nixon.Marisa@dol.gov | Ken Olsen, Director of Apprenticeship Florida Department of Education 325 W. Gaines Street, Room 754 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 Apprenticeship: (850) 245-0454 Phone: (850) 245-9039 Fax: (850) 245-9010 |
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) 1125 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 429-9100 | International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 925 PO Box 398 Mango, FL 33550 Phone: (813) 626-4161 Fax: (813) 623-1381 |
A copy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics', Occupational Outlook for Construction Equipment Operators; OSHA-Operator Specific Sheets for Heavy Equipment and Powered Industrial Truck Use; Powered Industry Truck Operator e-Tool and an Apprenticeship Leaflet are enclosed for your review.
Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA's requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. From time to time, letters are affected when the Agency updates a standard, a legal decision impacts a standard, or changes in technology affect the interpretation. To ensure that you are using the correct information and guidance, please consult OSHA's website at www.osha.gov. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Directorate of Construction at (202) 693-2020.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Erskine, Acting Director
Directorate of
Construction
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