Getting the 411 on the Crane and Rigging Industry
Last month, DICA participated in the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association’s (SC&RA) Annual Crane & Rigging Industry Workshop in Dallas, Texas, which provided critical updates for users of cranes. The association reported nearly 600 people in attendance.
In his report to the Safety Education & Training Committee, Kris Koberg, DICA’s CEO and Chairman of SC&RA’s Outrigger Mat Task Force, reported on the status of task force projects. During the group’s second meeting, the task force agreed to expand the scope of work and create separate best practice documents for outrigger enabled equipment and tracked equipment.
“It is widely recognized that similar issues and questions exist relative to supporting crawler cranes and tracked equipment,” said Kris Koberg during his presentation. “Industry feedback was clear. Having relevant best practices for equipment with outriggers and tracked equipment is important to reduce risks and improve overall safety related to supporting equipment. Offering two separate documents will make is simpler and easier to access the specific information they may want or need.”
The education sessions focused on common challenges and solutions. The opening session, Let’s Talk: An Industry Conversation, focused on supply chain issues and workforce shortages. Panelists were Erika Sims of Sims HD, Tyler Elliff of Precision Crane Service, Alan Barnhart of Barnhart of Barnhart, Kenneth Bernardo of Bay Crane Service of NY, and Jeremy Landry of Deep South Crane & Rigging.
“The Crane & Rigging Workshop allows us to meet and learn from the top crane and rigging companies in the country,” said Kelly Koberg, Inside Sales Manager, DICA. “When you gather hundreds of industry professionals in one room, great things happen. It allows for open conversation about pain points, what’s working, and what isn’t,” she continued.
“We had great conversations around the September issue of American Cranes & Transport where our CEO, Kris, introduced the philosophy of integrating “everyday” crane pads into a company’s fleet,” said Kerry Koberg, Strategic Accounts Manager, DICA.
The Rigging Inspections: Requirements and Responsibilities session provided attendees with a 10-step checklist for rigging inspections, and detailed the criteria for removing chain slings and synthetic web slings. The session also highlighted DICA’s LiftGuard Sling Protectors as a way to protect synthetic slings from damage.
The Exhibit Center featured almost 70 products and services dedicated to the crane & rigging industry. “We had great conversations around the September issue of American Cranes & Transport where our CEO, Kris,introduced the philosophy of integrating “everyday” crane pads into a company’s fleet,” said Kerry Koberg, Strategic Accounts Manager, DICA.
“We are constantly working to provide our customers with resources and best practices that can help day to day operations run smoothly and efficiently. This thought process of having an “everyday” set of pads can really help set our customers up for success in most situations,” said Kelly Koberg.
“Standardizing usage guidelines and application limitations will help develop a culture that incorporates strategic planning for safe crane setup. Identifying these factors will help mitigate risk, minimize liability, and improve overall safety through the proper selection and use of crane and outrigger pads. said Kris Koberg.
The next SC&RA Crane & Rigging Industry Workshop will be held September 26 – 28, 2023, in Oklahoma City, OK.
