02.04.2008

Crane operator certification fraud in New York

A New York state employee certified more than 200 unqualified crane operators, according to an investigative report published yesterday.

New York inspector general Kristine Hamann said that more than 200 people were certified as crane operators between 1985 and 2000 despite failing the practical exam.

She added that the member of the states Crane Operating Examining Board who provided the bogus certifications has been removed from his job.

The state Labor Department acted on the inspector general's preliminary findings and suspended 197 crane operators' certifications in November. Of those operators, just 38 of 75 who took the test again passed.

Hamann said: "As a result of our investigation, the DOL is taking action to bring greater fairness and integrity to the testing process."

The investigation was triggered after a prospective operator complained that he was treated unfairly after taking the test.