April 2018—Two of NCCCO’s more recent operator certification programs—for Service Truck Cranes and for Digger Derricks—had their strongest year ever in 2017.
Each program saw more than three times the certification exams administered than in any previous year since their launch. The CCO Digger Derrick Operator certification was first made available in August 2012, while the Service Truck Crane Operator certification followed in April 2013.
Both programs were developed by NCCCO in response to requests from industry (owners, employers, manufacturers, users, distributors, trainers, and others) seeking the same results in safety, productivity, and reduced maintenance that has become the hallmark of established CCO programs.
The increased popularity of digger derrick and service truck crane operator certification clearly reflects their value and enhanced safety regardless of whether certification is required.
Depending upon the use to which this equipment is put, operators may or may not fall under OSHA’s certification rule. For example, while digger derrick operators are excluded from OSHA’s operator certification requirements for utility work, they are required to be certified for activity that OSHA defines as construction such as erecting signs, lights, and telecommunication lines.
Similarly, service truck cranes are widely used for propane delivery, mining, and heavy equipment assembly, repair, and service, as well as by local municipalities’ service workers; many of these uses are covered by federal OSHA’s crane rule, so operators are opting to get certified to ensure that they’re qualified to perform any type of work that they might be asked to do.
In any case, the increased popularity of the programs clearly reflects their value and enhanced safety regardless of whether certification is required.