House passes crane-operator certification bill after family testimony

The Utah House passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 92, which requires certification for crane operators on most commercial construction projects, after lawmakers heard a personal plea from a sponsor and colleagues stressed workplace-safety risks.

Representative Dunnigan introduced the bill by reading a letter from a grieving family describing the death of a nephew at a construction site where a noncertified operator had taken over during high winds. He said the measure is a compromise that would exempt refineries, residential construction (including single-family and small multifamily up to fourplexes), and some small commercial jobs. The bill would require certification by the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators and conformity with applicable American Society of Mechanical Engineers and accreditation standards.

"So the bill that is before you is a compromised bill," Dunnigan said, noting industry and safety groups now support this version. Representative Steve Clark and Representative Baumann both voiced support; Clark said it was "incredible" the state had gone so long without requiring crane certification and called the change a consistency and safety improvement. Supporters said certification already exists in the private sector and among equipment firms.

The House adopted the bill by a 61–7 vote and it was transmitted back to the Senate for further consideration.