The Fifth Critical Challenge Facing Every Owner & Manager in The Crane & Lifting Industry Today – A Series
This is challenge number five in our five-part series.
In the crane and lifting industry, safety is non-negotiable. The risks of neglecting proper
training are high, yet many businesses still hesitate to invest in comprehensive safety
training programs due to the perceived upfront costs. However, this short-term thinking
often leads to even greater long-term expenses.
The Hidden Cost of Inadequate Training
While some businesses may focus on the immediate expense of safety training, they
often fail to recognize the significant financial and operational risks of cutting corners.
The consequences of inadequate training go beyond immediate fines and
accidents—they can lead to missed workdays, increased insurance premiums, legal
costs, and long-lasting damage to a company's reputation.
Consider the example of a crane accident in New York in 2016. While securing a lattice
boom crawler against wind conditions, the crane operator failed to follow proper safety
protocols. The boom was lowered below the allowable limit indicated on the load chart,
leading to a catastrophic crane collapse that killed one pedestrian and injured three
others. The incident could have been prevented had the operator received proper
training in reading load charts and following crane safety procedures.
This tragic example highlights the importance of proper safety training—especially for
crane operators. A failure to adhere to basic safety protocols can have deadly
consequences. The costs of such accidents far exceed the investment required for
adequate training.
The True Cost of Reactive Maintenance and Training Deficiencies
The cost of reactive maintenance, as opposed to preventative maintenance, is another critical issue in the industry. Businesses that fail to train their employees on proper maintenance techniques can end up spending up to ten times more on repairs and downtime than those who implement regular, preventative care.
Proper training not only ensures compliance with OSHA safety standards but also prevents these costly mistakes, reducing long-term expenses and boosting operational efficiency.
The Impact of Untrained Workers
Untrained workers increase the likelihood of routine crane accidents that result in damage to equipment, delays, and injuries. Some of the common consequences include:
- Missed workdays
- Increased insurance premiums
- OSHA fines
- Litigation costs
- A damaged reputation and lost business opportunities
Accident investigations often result in significant disruptions for all parties involved, including contractors, management teams, crane companies, and project owners. In many cases, these investigations can drag on for years, leaving businesses vulnerable to ongoing legal and financial consequences.
Building a Culture of Safety Through Training
The lifting industry is facing mounting challenges from safety violations, near misses, regulatory scrutiny, and the risk of litigation. To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial that businesses implement documented safety training for everyone involved in lifting and material handling operations.
Safety training is an investment in both the present and future of your business. To stay compliant with OSHA standards and ensure the safety of your employees, consider the following best practices:
- Maintain comprehensive records of crane inspections, including critical items like brakes, hooks, and ropes, with dates and signatures for accountability.
- Keep manufacturer’s maintenance records readily accessible for review.
- Ensure that all personnel involved in lifting operations receive thorough, ongoing training to stay sharp and aware of potential risks.
The Importance of Ongoing Training
Routine, well-documented training not only helps workers understand the equipment they’re operating but also reinforces the importance of safety. Frequent training sessions help employees recognize and avoid common lifting misconceptions that could lead to costly mistakes—or worse, accidents.
The key is to create a culture of safety where training is an ongoing priority. Engaging employees through frequent and collaborative training sessions helps reduce the likelihood of incidents, ensuring the long-term safety of your team and equipment.
Staying Ahead with Customized Training Solutions
With new regulations and evolving industry standards, staying on top of safety protocols and best practices is essential. A solid partnership with a professional training provider can help ensure that your team is up-to-date on the latest industry regulations and safety procedures.
When selecting a training provider, keep these key considerations in mind:
- Choose an experienced provider that understands the unique needs of your business and the complexity of the lifting industry.
- Ensure instructors are trained in adult learning principles and can tailor the program to your specific needs.
- For maritime operations, verify that the provider is accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA.
- On-site training ensures that workers learn in the exact setting they’ll be operating in, making the lessons more practical and relevant.
Staying Ahead with Customized Training Solutions
Investing in comprehensive training can yield measurable benefits, including:
- Lower risk of accidents and injuries
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Longer equipment life
- Fewer absences due to injury
- Increased employee morale and productivity
- Lower insurance rates
Training also helps businesses maintain compliance with regulatory bodies like OSHA and ASME, reducing the risk of fines and legal consequences.
The Value of Accredited Certifications and Industry Support
A well-qualified training provider will offer accredited certifications for crane operators, riggers, and signalpersons, ensuring that your team is fully prepared to meet industry standards. Adhering to the latest safety standards not only helps improve the safety of your operations but also enhances your company’s reputation in the industry.
With the complexities of modern lifting equipment and the ever-changing regulatory landscape, “one size fits all” training programs are often inadequate. Custom-tailored training solutions that are specific to your equipment and operations will provide the most value and ensure the highest level of safety and compliance.
In the crane and lifting industry, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a responsibility. The costs of neglecting training far outweigh the investment required to educate your team. By committing to ongoing, specialized safety training, you not only protect your business and employees but also contribute to a safer, more efficient industry overall.