Regional Rodeos Spotlight Importance of Crane Operator Training and Certification

Crane Institute Certification recently conducted the first in a series of regional rodeo qualifier events as part of the Crane Operator Rodeo, organized by MCM Events. From August to October, operators from across the country will compete in crane safety and skills competitions created by CIC practical examiners.

The primary objective of the Crane Operator Rodeo is to underscore the need for safe crane operation which can only be achieved through training. “Through our participation in the Crane Operator Rodeo, we hope to increase awareness of the pending 2014 requirements for crane operators to be certified by type and capacity,” said Debbie Dickinson, executive director of CIC. Other goals of the event are to raise the stature and visibility of crane operation as a profession and to recognize operators for achieving the skills required to be successful.

Empire Crane Company hosted the first Regional Rodeo Qualifier Event on August 23 at its Syracuse, N.Y., facility. Two operators were selected as the top performers from 24 operators who competed. Finishing first was Gregg Eldridge of Payne's Crane, Bainbridge, N.Y., and in second place was Sean Noonan of Advanced Crane Services, Ringwood, N.J.

Participants operated either a 36-ton capacity Terex T340 truck crane or a 35-ton Terex BT 70100 boom truck. The competition standards, which included three different tests, were designed by CIC to assess the operators" load control, depth perception, and accuracy.

Empire Crane hosted an open house during the event and provided a barbecue lunch. With representatives from Terex, Grove and Tadano Mantis on hand, Empire Crane also displayed some of its new equipment from these manufacturers for attendees to see. “We appreciate the support from the local customers and manufacturers. It was a good day,” said Luke Lonergan, vice president of Empire Crane. More than 100 spectators watched the event. A portion of the proceeds collected from the event fees will be donated to The Humane Association of CNY Inc., Empire Crane's charity of choice.

Events like this provide positive publicity for the crane and rigging industry. “We wanted to give the operators an opportunity to show off their skills and to give them some positive recognition for their considerable knowledge and skills,” said Dickinson.  

Additional regional rodeos are scheduled to take place in Houston, Chicago, Phoenix and Orlando. The national championship will take place Oct. 27-28, 2012 at the Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers" facility in Davenport, Fla.