Rhode Island Cranes and Derricks (Construction): What you need to know

Private sector employers in Rhode Island are regulated under the federal occupational safety rules for cranes and derricks in construction; the state does not have its own federally approved occupational safety and health regulatory program.

Rhode Island has adopted the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety and health standards in general industry and construction by reference for public (local and state government offices and operations) sector employers (Code of RI Rule 42-8-2.1 and Code of RI Rule 42-8-3.1). Federal approval is not required for the state to administer a safety and health regulatory program for public sector employers.

Crane operator licensing requirements. The state has adopted its own requirements for the licensing of crane operators (hoisting engineers) in construction for all employers that own or operate cranes. All operators of cranes and other hoisting equipment must hold a valid license for the specific type of crane that they operate.

Federal OSHA administers the rules for cranes and derricks in construction for private sector employers. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Occupational Safety Unit administers and enforces occupational safety and health rules in public sector workplaces. The Professional Regulations Unit administers the crane and derrick rules operator qualification and certification requirements in the state.

See the state hoisting engineer website for more information about crane operator licensing requirements.