PURPOSE OF EICA

 

EICA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 to promote responsible awareness through certification programs regarding safe and effective practices in the electrical industry; provide effective, valid, and fair assessments that raise the standard of excellence for personnel engaged in the varied aspects of the electrical industry.

EICA’s initial objective is to establish a fair and independent evaluation of crane operator knowledge and skills as they pertain to the safe operation of cranes and digger derricks as used in the electrical construction and utility industry. Even before incorporation was formally obtained, EICA began to develop their crane certification program.

A Crane Working Committee (CWC) was established and began meeting in January of 2014. The CWC was comprised of Subject Matter Experts (SME) representing all eight Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATC) and met every 6-8 weeks. These SMEs have a thorough understanding of the knowledge and skills necessary for safe crane operations in the electrical industry.

The CWC reported to an Advisory Committee comprised of industry leaders from the Outside Line Construction segment of the electrical industry, both Labor and Management. They in turn reported to, and received direction from, a Board of Directors comprised of a broad spectrum of leaders from inside and outside the electrical industry.

The EICA Board of Directors included Employer management representatives, Executive Directors from several chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the Vice President, Labor Relations, of the National NECA staff, a senior representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a senior representative of the Electrical Training Alliance, and a public-at-large member from the Investment community.

Starting November 10, 2018 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will require operators of cranes and digger derricks above 2,000 pound capacity, when used in construction need to be certified by an accredited crane operator testing organization such as EICA. Gaining the crane/digger derrick certification from EICA will meet all the requirements set forth by the new OSHA rule.