1926.1427(b): Crane Operator-in-Training Rules
Employers must give each crane operator-in-training enough formal and practical training to operate safely, keep a trainer continuously monitoring them on site, and assign only tasks within their ability. Unless certified, trainees may not operate near power lines within the listed distances, hoist personnel, or work in multiple-equipment lifts, over shafts, cofferdams or tank farms, or in most multiple-lift rigging.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1427(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $50,485 in current penalties.
- Most citations: UT (3), SD (2), TX (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1427(b) ("Operator training") is one requirement inside 1926.1427 Operator training, certification, and evaluation, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 19 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(b) Operator training. The employer must provide each operator-in-training with sufficient training, through a combination of formal and practical instruction, to ensure that the operator-in-training develops the skills, knowledge, and ability to recognize and avert risk necessary to operate the equipment safely for assigned work. 13 citations
(1) The employer must provide instruction on the knowledge and skills listed in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this section to the operator-in-training.
(2) The operator-in-training must be continuously monitored on site by a trainer while operating equipment. 4 citations
(3) The employer may only assign tasks within the operator-in-training's ability. However, except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(v) of this section, the operator-in-training shall not operate the equipment in any of the following circumstances unless certified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section: 2 citations
(i) If any part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the equipment's maximum working radius in the work zone (see § 1926.1408(a)(1)), could get within 20 feet of a power line that is up to 350 kV, or within 50 feet of a power line that is over 350 kV. 1 citations
(ii) If the equipment is used to hoist personnel. 1 citations
(iii) In multiple-equipment lifts.
(iv) If the equipment is used over a shaft, cofferdam, or in a tank farm.
(v) In multiple-lift rigging operations, except where the operator's trainer determines that the operator-in-training's skills are sufficient for this high-skill work.
(4) The employer must ensure that an operator-in-training is monitored as follows when operating equipment covered by this subpart: 5 citations
(i) While operating the equipment, the operator-in-training must be continuously monitored by an individual (“operator's trainer”) who meets all of the following requirements: 2 citations
(A) The operator's trainer is an employee or agent of the operator-in-training's employer.
(B) The operator's trainer has the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to direct the operator-in-training on the equipment in use.
(ii) While monitoring the operator-in-training, the operator's trainer performs no tasks that detract from the trainer's ability to monitor the operator-in-training. 2 citations
(iii) For equipment other than tower cranes: The operator's trainer and the operator-in-training must be in direct line of sight of each other. In addition, they must communicate verbally or by hand signals. For tower cranes: The operator's trainer and the operator-in-training must be in direct communication with each other.
(iv) The operator-in-training must be monitored by the operator's trainer at all times, except for short breaks where all of the following are met:
(A) The break lasts no longer than 15 minutes and there is no more than one break per hour.
(B) Immediately prior to the break the operator's trainer informs the operator-in-training of the specific tasks that the operator-in-training is to perform and limitations to which he/she must adhere during the operator trainer's break.
(C) The specific tasks that the operator-in-training will perform during the operator trainer's break are within the operator-in-training's abilities.
(5) Retraining. The employer must provide retraining in relevant topics for each operator when, based on the performance of the operator or an evaluation of the operator's knowledge, there is an indication that retraining is necessary. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1427.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: UT (3), SD (2), TX (2), NY (2), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. CRANE & RIGGING, LLC | MONROE, NY | $14,895 |
| NEW YORK HOIST, LLC. | MONROE, NY | $14,895 |
| OWELL PRECAST LLC | SOUTH WEBER, UT | $14,000 |
| 156275 - JUAN BALTAZAR SALAZAR | GRAHAM, NC | $3,095 |
| J.S. HAREN COMPANY | HIXSON, TN | $2,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1427(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Regarding setting time restrictions by crane operator testing organizations for crane-certification test. (2016-04-20)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Must an operator-in-training be watched?
Yes. The operator-in-training must be continuously monitored on site by a trainer while operating equipment.
Can a trainee hoist personnel?
No, not unless certified.
What power line distances limit trainees?
Trainees may not operate if equipment could get within 20 feet of a line up to 350 kV, or within 50 feet of a line over 350 kV, unless certified.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1427 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-19
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.