When I think about our industry, what always stands out is those who do things properly. People who do their best to keep people safe, support operators, and build confidence across every jobsite. It’s something our members take seriously every single day.
So, it’s incredibly exciting to see that commitment being recognised on a global scale. As you’ve probably already heard, in January, The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) signed a landmark partnership with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) in the United States, bringing our well established CraneSafe Green Sticker system to a whole new market. For those of us who’ve been part of CraneSafe from the start, it’s a proud moment, seeing something we developed in Australia becoming a benchmark for safety internationally.
You may have also heard that CICA’s CEO Brandon Hitch will be relocating to the US to play a hands-on role in supporting the program’s rollout. I cannot speak more highly of Brandon, and everyone I’ve spoken to feels the same. Brandon’s expertise and leadership have been instrumental in CraneSafe and more broadly, CICA’s success here at home. While having him on the ground in the US ensures that the program is implemented smoothly and stays true to the standards Australian operators know and trust, we will all be very sad to say goodbye when the time comes in May.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and even more excited about what’s ahead. There’s a lot we can learn from each other, and this is just the start of seeing CraneSafe make a difference far beyond our borders.
It’s also worth noting that momentum isn’t limited to our international work. Here at home, CICA initiatives continue to gain real traction, with sell-out numbers at the Wind Forum, strong demand for the Lift Supervisor Course, and more and more crane companies putting their teams through CrewSafe and the Mobile Articulated Crane On Road Safety course. These programs reflect the trust the industry and others place in CICA.
That said, there is still important work ahead to improve crew and crane safety, supporting new entrants into the industry, strengthening on-road safety outcomes, and continuing to advocate for sensible road access arrangements. Raising standards is not a one-off effort, it’s a constant commitment. Stay safe.
Marcus Ferrari
CICA Board President
