Oklahoma Could Require Licenses For Crane Operators

OKLAHOMA CITY -- After a series of fatal crane accidents in Oklahoma, state officials are considering requiring operators of cranes and aerial baskets to obtain a license.

Randy Sudik, the president of Oklahoma City-based Allied Steel Construction Co., says a committee of construction industry experts is developing a plan that would result in stricter oversight of such operators.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft of Moore has filed a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would establish a state license for crane and hoist operators.

State Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields had called for crane safety reviews after a man died in downtown Oklahoma City on Oct. 20 when an aerial basket in which he was working toppled.

That was one of at least four deaths involving cranes or aerial baskets in Oklahoma since last March.