With major infrastructure projects coming online, Australia committing to record levels of defence infrastructure investment, strong residential construction and continued momentum in resources, Western Australia remains the engine room of Australia’s growth.
That activity places sustained demand on the state’s crane sector and on insurers who understand the risks that come with it. Reflecting this growth, UAA has continued to invest in its Western Australian presence, with Daniel Joiner, General Manager – WA, Gary Woodhams, National Underwriting Manager, Vasko Suleski, Business Development Manager and additional senior capability joining the team over the past year. Across every conversation, one principle consistently leads: safety.
“UAA has been providing insurance to the crane industry for more than 50 years – it really is in our DNA,” said Daniel. “We’ve always taken a proactive role, working closely with the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), sponsoring the National Conference and supporting industry-led initiatives. Whenever we talk with clients about loss mitigation, safety is the first consideration. Not just for their people, but for third-party exposures as well.”
When pressure meets complacency
Crane incidents can occur anywhere, at any time, and too often they stem from time pressure and complacency.
“Every day you see heavy pool shells or large components being lifted over adjoining properties,” Daniel said. “The crane might be booked for three jobs that day, deadlines loom, and someone decides to skip a step because they’ve done it a hundred times before. That’s when outriggers are left off, and that’s when we see cranes tipping into neighbouring properties. These are real losses we’re seeing.
“Complacency is one of the most difficult risks to manage,” Daniel states.
“At UAA, we see it as part of our responsibility to reinforce safe lifting practices. Corners cut under time pressure are exactly where serious incidents occur.”
Stability in a cyclical market
Insurance for the crane industry has always been competitive, with new entrants regularly drawn to the sector. UAA cautions operators to look beyond headline pricing when assessing cover.
“We’re seeing increased competition in parts of the global insurance market,” Daniel explained. “Some offerings are priced very aggressively in an effort to gain market share. History shows that when pricing falls too far below long term loss experience, claims inevitably follow and capacity quickly withdraws.”
Daniel points to a familiar pattern – “Operators may see sharp short-term savings, only to face significantly higher premiums when that capacity exits. Our role is helping clients understand how insurance cycles work, and why stability and continuity matter over time.”
More than a policy
“We’re more than a number on a piece of paper,” said Daniel. “Our policy wordings are purpose-built for the crane industry, and our coverage remains second to none.”
A key differentiator is UAA being a cradle to the grave underwriter, with underwriting and claims being ‘in-house’ and in Perth.
“Having Perth-based underwriting and claims specialists with first-hand crane operation experience makes a critical difference when it matters most,” Daniel said.
Supporting long-term growth
Western Australia’s economic outlook continues to create opportunity for the crane industry, from population growth and housing demand, to mining, renewables and defence.
“Consistency and experience are critical,” Daniel said. “Sustained investment across resources, defence infrastructure and renewables is driving demand, particularly for tower cranes and heavy-lift capability.”
The renewable energy sector, however, has introduced new challenges.
Gary Woodhams explains that as turbines increase in height and components grow heavier, crane capacity and risk profiles have changed significantly.
“In wind particularly, we’re now seeing cranes with capacities exceeding 1000 tonnes, and internationally even 3000 to 4000 tonnes,” Gary said. “As the sector evolves, UAA has worked closely with CICA and the broader industry to ensure best-practice lifting methods are adopted at all times.”
Learning from experience
Early wind farm projects revealed serious risks when cranes were moved between lifts without proper demobilisation.
“Due to time pressures, cranes were being relocated with booms raised and full counterweights in place,” Gary said. “The result was rollovers – and some very substantial claims.”
UAA worked alongside CICA and industry leaders to address the issue.
“By presenting on these risks and explaining why the losses were unsustainable, real change occurred in how wind farms are constructed and serviced.
“That kind of influence only comes from deep, long-term involvement in the industry.”
A practical approach to risk
UAA continues to engage directly with brokers and clients following claims.
“We make a point of meeting face-to-face wherever possible,” Gary said. “Understanding how losses occur, particularly when there are repeated incidents or near misses, is critical. From an insurer’s perspective, multiple claims arising from the same underlying issues inevitably lead to significant losses, and that is not sustainable over the long term.”
Training and technology remain key indicators of good risk management.
“Underwriters will always view training and safety-related technology favourably. When a business invests in initiatives that genuinely reduce risk, we want to understand them. Done properly, risk management absolutely influences underwriting outcomes.”
For UAA, the message to the crane industry is clear: experience, stability and safety remain the foundations of insuring cranes for the long haul.
