The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table has released the National Mobile Crane Operator Demonstration of Skills Test (DOST), a turnkey package consisting of products now available for use by Canada’s crane industry.
DOST can be used to assess the practical ability of a mobile crane operator to safely operate cranes to Occupational Health and Safety requirements and industry standards. It is comprised of the DOST Protocol and Candidate Guide, each designed to complement the existing Red Seal endorsement. The DOST Protocol includes standardized questions for written assessments, an Assessor’s Guide and checklists. The Candidate Guide provides standardized information to candidates undertaking the DOST and includes information on the scope of the assessment.
For the past two years, the Skills Table has led a project committee of industry representatives to develop DOST. During the development phase, the project committee provided strategic guidance and sought input from a technical working group of industry and crane subject matter experts in jurisdictions across Canada, with testing completed by training organizations throughout the country.
“We are pleased with the final outcome of the report and are happy that our industry partners came to the table to assist us in the development of the DOST,” said Lionel Railton, project chair and Canadian regional director of the International Union of Operating Engineers. “We remain hopeful that the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship will adopt the DOST as part of the Red Seal Mobile Crane Operator program.”
Industry has long touted the need for a standardized DOST to increase employability for crane operators relocating for work, reduce red tape for employers, lower costs for all, and improve safety. The DOST is a solution for jurisdictions without existing tools, while those that have a DOST can use it to compare systems in place and make improvements. Employers can use DOST to conduct in-house assessments.
Efforts were made to include the DOST as part of the Red Seal assessment process for mobile crane operators. As the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship is focusing on harmonization of apprenticeship as its strategic priority, the Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council (CHRSC) will assume the position as steward for DOST. The CHRSC, a key strategic partner and project committee member since the inception of DOST, will continue its advocacy position for DOST as part of the Red Seal assessment for crane operators.
“Our stewardship of the DOST will provide oversight on the future development, ongoing implementation and review process, including advocating to the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship to include the DOST in the Red Seal assessment process,” said Tim Bennett, chair, Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council.
In addition, CHRSC has committed to actively communicate with industry and respond to DOST-related inquiries, and ensure the DOST Protocol and Candidates Guide is publicly available online. The CHRSC will also review the DOST Protocol at least every five years.
The project was managed by the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table and funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program.
DOST Protocol and Candidate Guide documents are available for download by visiting cadmobilecranedost.com
