Most Recent Crane Accidents in U.S.

On June 9 we came across a summary list of some recent crane accidents on newsday.com. With so many accidents occurring lately, we found it easier to learn more and keep track of the events from this list. From here you can search for more detailed news on the recent accidents.

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NAHETS Oklahoma School Published in American Crane & Transport Magazine

The Oklahoma College of Construction (OCC), a NAHETS institution, was published in the May issue of the American Crane & Transport Magazine. Previously Wade Vakulick, director of industry relations and safety, contacted American Crane & Transport and invited them to visit the OCC campus to gather material for their upcoming May issue, which deals with crane operator safety and training. Although the site visit ended up not working out, American Crane & Transport called Wade and held a phone interview. The content of the interview is published in the article.

The article is entitled, “How safe is safe?” and focuses on crane safety and training . . .

News9 Covers Oklahoma College’ Crane Operator Training Program

On May 12 Channel 9 News (News9) covered a story on the Oklahoma College of Construction (OCC), a NAHETS member school, in response to the recent crane accidents that have been in national news . The coverage features an overview and demonstration of the OCC Crane Operator Training Program. OCC’s crane program is designed to provide the most skilled and experienced entry-level crane operators, which will help minimize crane accidents out in the field. You can visit www.ok-cc.com to see the video coverage or click on the image below for full coverage. Make sure to watch the video!

Recent Fatalities Spark Action for Crane Regulations

Last month, seven people died when a crane collapsed in Manhattan, NY; two others died in Miami after a crane collapsed. The incidents have not only triggered modifications for crane safety in these cities, but in other cities across the country. With only 15 states and 6 cities currently requiring crane certification, these recent events have caused many to visit and revisit the proposal for city and state laws concerning the matter.

Background

With few state regulations in place, the federal government oversees crane safety, largely through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). One requirement is having a “competent person” to inspect all crane equipment before use. Although few cities require some form of pre-operations inspection, this responsibility currently falls mostly to the employers, who have authority to designate a “competent person” to inspect cranes. Employers are also responsible to make sure all employees (crane operators) are “competent,” “qualified,” or “certified” to perform their tasks; however, there is no set regulation on specific training programs or certifications.

OSHA does recognize NCCCO certification as verification of meeting OSHA training requirements. The NCCCO is a private certifying organization for crane operation. The 15 states and 6 cities that require certification use NCCCO certification.

1. http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21009
   
2. http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=1332

Miami-Dade County Ordinance

Taking effect March 28, three days after the March 25 accident, this is a local ordinance in the Miami-Dade County. The ordinance was proposed by Audrey Edmonson, County Commissioner of the Crane and Heavy Advisory Committee. The proposal requires trained experts to inspect all crane equipment, the certification of all crane operators, as well as a hurricane preparedness plan. This proposal will ultimately give inspectors and building officials authority to inspect and decide if the cranes safe enough to operate; they will also have authority to revoke or suspend building permits if the cranes fail to meet safety standards.

This ordinance also defines tower cranes as “permanent structures,” instead of “temporary structures.” This basically means that the cranes have to meet the same safety requirements as high rise buildings, which means there will be more requirements to meet.

1. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/story/473173.html
2. http://www.globest.com/news/1124_1124/miami/169445-1.html

Brooklyn Hearing Scheduled for Crane Regulations

On April 29 the City Council’s Housing and Building Committe will hold a hearing to discuss changes in construction site safety at high-rise sites. In light of the Manhattan accident, the participants’ main focus is to ensure that all sites are safe for all workers and the public who walk around the developments on a daily basis.

The Buildings Department also started inspecting all crane sites on March 20. New York City officials have also ordered that inspectors must be on site to raise or lower any cranes.

1. http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=5&id=19589
2. http://www.newsday.com/news/local/am-crane0320,0,5233399.story

Other Cities Taking Action

The recent Miami and Manhattan accidents have caused other cities and states to consider modifying their crane operating safety procedures:

• Dallas, TX–officials are in the beginning stages of increasing crane safety
• Stamford, CT–Mayor Dannell Malloy has requested more frequent crane inspections
• Charlotte, NC–has reported 10 crane-related deaths since 1997, and has renewed concerns in crane safety after the Miami and Manhattan accidents.
• Denver, CO–Corkey Wassam, crane operator of 35 years and field representative for Winslow Crane Service, speaks out on crane safety.

A New Look for SCCC Crane Training Program

NAHETS member school, Southern California College of Construction (SCCC), recently enhanced its crane training program. Here is a statement from Campus President Henry Salgado . . .

With the high demand for certified, safety conscious, and well-rounded crane operators, we decided to revamp our current three week crane program to a six week program. Upon completion of our six week program, our operators will be prepared to take NCCCO small and large telescopic boom certifications, and they will also receive a Certificate of Achievement from The Crosby Group. Students will be trained in different rigging practices such as confined space movement and detaching rigging blocks for lifting purposes. Our purpose in expanding our crane program is to ensure that our Crane Operators are leaving with an even greater understanding of safety and proper operations for crane and rigging practices.

Heavy Equipment Operation Now a Specialized Education

NAHETS came in contact with Robin Salisian at Construction Crossing in November 2007. Resulting from this contact came the article from NAHETS Executive Director, Matt Klabacka, “Non-Traditional Education For Today’s Web 2.0 Consumer.”

After a successful initial contact, in February 2008 NAHETS came in contact with Construction Crossing once again. In talking with Robin Salisian at Construction Crossing and Mary Waldron at Education Crossing, we were able to write another article, “Heavy Equipment Operation Now a Specialized Education.” This article focuses on the specialization of NAHETS heavy equipment and crane operator education . . .

Today, education exists largely because one thing–specialization. Every educational institution has programs and degrees focusing on certain areas of expertise; this specialized education allows individuals to excel in fields of their choice, thus helping society as a whole.

Until recently, the process of training heavy equipment operators lacked the degree of specialization found in other career specific training . . . see article

Mammoet, USA Crane Division Hires First Ever Female from NAHETS Oklahoma Campus

Scotty Gecks, Director of Training Services for Oklahoma College of Construction (OCC), relates a graduate success story.

Attitude–A little word that makes a big difference. Monique Lammers came to our school not knowing if her finances would clear. It was nip and tuck at first. During this time of uncertainty she kept her eye on the prize. She enrolled in our Mobile Crane Program determined that whatever the outcome she wanted all the knowledge she could get. Her determination, positive attitude, and quiet confidence caught everyone’s attention. She had a full head of steam when the good news came about her finances and had already set the bar for her classmates. She had some construction experience, but she came here wanting something more . . . a lot more. When she saw the brochure and video from Mammoet Heavy Lift and Transport, she knew. That was it. That was the something more she wanted . . .

The more she progressed through the program, the more determined she became to work for Mammoet. It was during the last week of her training that Doug Allen from Mammoet called. He was in Hawaii and was inquiring about another graduate who had applied and I mentioned I had a “good one” coming up that was wanting to work for Mammoet. I knew Mammoet doesn’t hire until grads have their CCO, but he became interested in Monique. Before the conversation ended, he asked if I would have her call him. They had a phone interview and the next day he called and made her an offer. She accepted. Monique graduated Outstanding Mobile Crane student and has passed and received her CCO Certification. She is the first female hired in the Crane Division of Mammoet, USA!

See Blog Post “Mammoet North America Interested in OCC Campus Graduates” for background on Mammoet and OCC.

The Oklahoma College of Construction is a member school of the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS).

Construction and Heavy Equipment Jobs . . . For Women Too

For those of us who know construction workers and heavy equipment operators, I am sure most of them are males. Lets face it, shopping and bulldozers just don’t seem to match up all that well; however, many of us will be surprised to learn that there are more women employed in construction and heavy equipment industries than we would think.

The U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau keeps track of statistics for nontraditional occupations for women. Here are some relevant statistics in construction and heavy equipment occupations.*

Although the statistics do not show a high percentage of women involved in these occupations, it is obvious that hundreds of thousands of females across the United States are interested in or already are employed in construction jobs, including heavy equipment operating. Similar trends hold true for countries outside of the United States as well. The following is a summary from an article written on November 8, 2007 by Matthew Craze on Bloomberg.com entitled, “Andean Women Use Gentle Touch to Conquer Monster Mining Trucks”:

South America’s mining industry is being flooded by women who come mainly from the Andean Mountains to work as mining truck drivers. The main reason the women do this is because it greatly increases their income compared to typical work in the villages and communities they live in. As would be expected by some, the men did not believe that these women would last under the harsh mining and weather conditions; however, many women feel the same way as mining truck driver, Patricia Guajardo, who said, “The winters can be very harsh, but I love it.”

 

Despite concerns or issues regarding the performance of these female equipment operators, many industry personnel actually say the women have a better touch in operating than some men do. Cristian Silva, a truck and earth-moving equipment trainer for Caterpillar, Inc., said “Women tend to take more care of the machine and don’t abuse the brakes or the engine…Operating the machine better means more profits.” This is one of the main reason mining companies in South America, such as Barrick Gold Corp. and BHP Billiton Ltd, like the female operators—their performance actually cut costs and increase output.

 

It is a win-win situation with these South American women becoming equipment operators for mining companies. It not only allows the women to increase their lifestyle and show their capabilities but it also brings in profit for the mining companies. There have been few minor difficulties in hiring women operators (some have legs that are too short to operate and it can be hard to find them because many women stay home with children). Despite these obstacles, it has been a positive experience for both the women and mining companies of South America.

 

Until 19993, women were banned from working at mines in Chile. By 2005, women made up 4.3 percent of the mining workforce in Chile, according to Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer.*

So it appears that it is safe to say that women can experience success in construction and heavy equipment work, just as men can.

References:

*(1) Nontraditional Occupations for Women in 2006. U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau. Retrieved November 26, 2007 from http://www.dol.gov/wb/factsheets/nontra2006.htm

*(2) Craze, Matthew. (November 2007). Andean Women Use Gentle Touch to Conquer Monster Mining Trucks. Retrieved November 22, 2007 from http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aAR9kj8RyLyU&refer=germany.

 

NAHETS Member: Nevada School of Construction and NCCCO Workshop in the News Months Later!

Back in May of this year, a member school of the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS), the Nevada School of Construction (NVSC), hosted the largest CCO Practical Examiner Accreditation workshop ever held by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). An original press release in August was submitted on the front page of NCCCO.org. Just last week the press release was found again on the ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The workshop stressed the importance of certification, standards, and safety in crane operating. This is significant because the demand for crane operators—professionally trained and certified—are high in demand in the United States. The affiliation of NCCCO and all NAHETS member schools, including the NVSC, is to satisfy this demand by providing highly trained and educated crane operators, as well as heavy equipment operators in general. Please see the above links to read the details of the workshop.

SCCC Training Director receives NCCCO certification

Since May 1, 2007, Al Loya has been with the Southern California College of Construction as our Training Director. More than twenty years ago, Al was a crane operator, but had never taken the time to get licensed. In the years since, he has been running equipment in one form or another, as well as training others in safe operation of machines.

In order to become a certified crane operator, a written and practical examination must be passed. To get Al back up to speed with crane operation, SCCC sent Al to a four-day refresher course in preparaton for taking the examination. This certification will give the Training Director more validity, as well as a boost to the credentials of the training program.

Al will also be serving as a back-up instructor to our Certified Trainer, Willie Tubbs. The Southern California College of Construction believes in upward mobility for each and every staff member, and look forward to our faculty excelling in each of their chosen professions.