Industry Forum will Focus on Personnel Qualifications

OSHA's Scott Ketcham

Aug. 1, 2022 – The qualifications of crane operators and those who work with and around lifting equipment will once again be the focus of this fall’s NCCCO Foundation Industry Forum on Personnel Qualifications.

Now in its seventh year, the forum is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 2022, as a hybrid event to be held in person in Phoenix, Arizona, and via Zoom.

For the fourth year in a row, Scott Ketcham, director of OSHA’s Directorate of Construction, has been invited to provide the keynote address.

The forum will focus on the latest regulatory developments and industry best practices related to the qualifications of people working in, with, and around cranes and other lifting equipment.

“In light of the publication earlier this year of OSHA’s Compliance Directive on Crane Operator Qualifications, we anticipate the presentation by Director Ketcham to be especially popular,” said NCCCO Foundation Executive Director, T.J. Cantwell.

Other sessions will focus on recent and upcoming changes to B30 standards, compliance assistance with the OSHA crane rule, and a rundown of the new certification programs that have been introduced recently or are being readied for launch.

Last year’s forum was the first to be held as a hybrid event. It attracted almost 500 safety and construction professionals, a five-fold increase over 2019’s event.

“Response to the last Forum was exceptional,” said Cantwell, “with fully 94% of delegates rating the event as meeting or exceeding their expectations.”

A hallmark of past Industry Forums has been their fast-paced and varied presentations. This year is no exception. “We pack a lot into a four-hour window,” said Cantwell. “With a dozen or so presentations, focusing on a variety of safety, personnel qualification, and workplace development issues, there’s always something for everyone.”

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. The registration portal will be published on the NCCCO Foundation Forum website and registration will open in September, Cantwell added.