True Cost of Crane Incidents

The True Cost of Crane Incidents in Alberta

Crane incidents aren’t just about equipment damage – they can shut down worksites, drive up insurance costs, result in OH&S fines, and put operators at risk. Even one accident can mean days or weeks of lost productivity, ballooning costs, and legal headaches for your company.

Downtime Costs More Than Repairs

– Every hour a crane is out of service is lost revenue, missed deadlines, and frustrated clients.
– Injuries and damages typically lead to lengthy investigations, sometimes resulting in tens of thousands in fines or litigation.
– Insurance claims can raise your premiums substantially, affecting your profitability over the long run.

How Training Helps Reduce Potential Incidents

Business owners who invest in safety training see fewer incidents, saving money and time. A single dollar spent on training typically saves four to six dollars in accident and downtime costs, with indirect savings running up to ten times higher.

Get Your Business Protected today and Protect your team and business from unnecessary losses.

Contact us HERE to secure your training slot

Exams now offered in full digital format

We are offering all of our programs and exams in digital format, no longer required to use pen and paper, however the option is still there for those that are not as tech savvy.

Exam links or QR code is provided at the end of the morning training program to each student.  They will be graded automatically and provided scoring at the end of the program.

 

Types of Crane Operator Certification

We are always asked why we have so many different types of crane operator certification programs available and the response is always the same from us.

Consider this, if you learn to ride a motorbike and a car, wouldn’t it be easy to drive a semi truck fully loaded or a school bus full of children?  Same platform right, all have wheels, cab, steering wheel, etc.  So what is the difference?  It’s evident but that is comparison I use and that is why we have so many different types of crane operator certification programs.

Not all cranes are created equally and THAT is the reason for our varied programs, to ensure that the operator knows the nuances regarding the crane they are using, not for a crane they may never see in their job scope.

Q: Are all cranes the same?

A: No…they all do the same thing but the programs we offer are for cranes that have different configurations, hoist lines vs. no hoist, single folding boom, double folding boom, carry deck that can pick and carry, mini crawler cranes that are similar to a carry deck but in the muck.

Q: Why not combine all into one program then and make it two or three days long instead? 

A: Due to companies budgetary constraints, shutting down production or field operations in an already tight employee market, particularity in the energy sector or municipal sectors, it’s not feasible nor desirable by the employer, however providing a solid, product specific, one-day program that reinforces the specific fundamentals for that type of product does have a lasting effect.

Q: Can we truly show someone how to become an operator in a single day program? 

Well that is entirely dependent on the individual however the proviso answer is no we can’t, nobody can.   We can however give the operator a fighting chance on more knowledge and better prepare them.  Consider this, you take a defensive driving course at 16 or 17 years of age, one time, by age 30 are you a better driver or worse?  Many consider themselves better even after having one or two tickets of some sort and so forth.

Not everyone wants to become a crane operator per-se, we know this and understand so we focus specifically on fundamentals and advise that muscle memory be allowed to develop so the operator can understand the crane they are using much more.

For more details on our crane specific programs, contact us HERE, we respond very quickly and with the information you need to make the right decision for your company.

Light Duty Crane Operator Training in B.C

If you operate a light duty crane in B.C and it lifts less than 5-tons based on the 2nd figure of your load chart.

Our 1-day on-site light duty crane operator training program will help you and your operators learn stronger fundamentals of safe crane operation and keep your equipment in better operating condition.

 

Our programs are for the following types of cranes:

– Knuckle Boom Pickers
– Spider Cranes
– Carry Deck Cranes
– Mechanic Service Body Cranes
As well as many stationary cranes.

Our program is 1-day in duration and does NOT include any rigging discussions as rigging programs are a separate full day program themselves.

In B.C, the governing program for safe crane operations is BC. Crane Safety and they advise that if your crane lifts less than 5-tons, attending their programs for larger cranes is not necessary.

Insurance in B.C does prefer to have all operators take some form of crane safety so our program will also ensure your operators receive top notch information on how to remain safe while operating your equipment.

If you have recently taken delivery of a new or newer crane, you will want to provide your operator with picker training so that they start off safe and it’s up to you to continue monitoring that process.

For more information you can call us at [587] 209-2589

or email us HERE for more details.

We come to your location, use your crane and by doing so, reduce your training costs

 

 

 

Light Duty Picker Operator Safety Training

Light Duty Picker Truck Operator Safety Training

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light Duty Picker Operator Safety Training Programs

We are celebrating 14 years of providing fundamental light duty picker crane safety training programs throughout western Canada.

Located in Calgary and Edmonton, we provide your company with On-Site picker truck training and operator certification on the following types of cranes:

The light duty picker operator safety programs we offer are for: HIAB pickers, Fassi Pickers, Copma Pickers and Ferrari Pickers as well as Broderson carry deck cranes, Spider cranes and mechanic service body cranes.

Our one-day programs are delivered to your operators at your location only, using your cranes to make sure that the operator keeps familiarity with the crane type.  We do have a minimum number and required to use your crane.

Boom trucks are provincially regulated and in B.C the program we offer is only for cranes up to 5-tons in capacity and that is based on looking at the load chart, the SECOND weight shown on the left hand side (see example below):

 

 

 

 

In Alberta, operators can run a folding picker boom up to 8-tons without a winch on the boom, no boom length restrictions.  If your picker truck has a boom winch, then it’s limited to 5-ton winch capacity in single part line set up. 

You can find out more HERE about when to have a trade registered operator on the controls of your crane.

For Saskatchewan, operators are limited by the capacity to 5.5 tons, there is no boom length restriction but they do require companies to log the operators hours so that when the operator is able to obtain 100-hours of operating the crane, the company may then deem the operator as being competent, so it’s more involved than the other two provinces.  Although it is a bit confusing on information, you can start your search in Saskatchewan HERE.

B.C has a requirement that the crane lift less than 5-tons (as shown in the sample load chart above), and that the boom does have a length restriction, you can find out more HERE as it’s quite detailed.  Our program will work for you.

Operating any of the cranes mentioned above or shown in the image, a spider crane, folding boom crane or carry deck crane, even a mechanics service body crane, does require a form of training as required by both CSA and OHS in each province.  

The program offers a strong emphasis on the fundamentals of safe picker operating, understanding the small things on the crane as well as the big things, load charts are often mis understood on a knuckle boom picker.  Stability of the crane, configuration of the boom and use of a variety of control types from remote control to manual control of the crane.  We cover the fundamentals and we show the operator how to keep as safe as possible.

By not providing a basic light duty picker operator safety training program to your operators EVEN if they say they have run that type of picker for years, opens up your company to liability in a worst case scenario.

There is also no Canada wide governing body over training programs so how do you know what you are getting?  Our instructor has been trained in the USA as well as Austria at two of the largest crane manufacturers in the world, the programs there are far more in depth and took 35 days to complete.  Industry in Canada has set a standard for safety training to meet CSA as well as Provincial standards.  To provide a complete training program for your crane will absolutely take 7-days minimum.  If you are prepared to shut down your crane and operators for that timeline, we are prepared to provide a program that will meet this timeline.

We also do not offer a rigging course at the moment in conjunction with our picker safety training, fundamentals program as well.

For more information regarding our programs, please contact us HERE or call us at (587) 209-2589.

Picker Truck Training: What You Need to Know

If you use picker trucks in Alberta primarily, it also applies to other provinces, there are 3 things you need to know about the rules and training required to stay safe and legal. Whether you run an oil and gas maintenance company or a fleet of picker trucks, our picker training can help you avoid fines, reduce the probability of accidents, and delays. Here’s what you need to know about picker truck operator certification.

What Does the Law Say About Picker Truck Training?

In Alberta, operators of picker trucks need proper training to meet safety laws. These laws include:

  • OHS Code Section 6: This rule says all lifting devices, cranes, and hoists must be operated safely.
  • CSA Z150.3 R2022: This Canadian standard explains how picker cranes should be used and inspected.

If your operators aren’t certified, your business could face fines, accidents, or shutdowns. Training shows you’re following the rules and keeping everyone safe.

Why is Picker Truck Training Important?

Getting trained isn’t just about following the law. It also helps your team and business. Here’s how:

  • Keeps Workers Safe: Training teaches operators how to avoid accidents and handle tough situations.
  • Improves Work Efficiency: Certified operators work faster and avoid mistakes that cause delays.
  • Protects Your Business: Training helps you avoid legal trouble and shows your commitment to safety.
  • Builds Trust: Clients and employees respect businesses that care about doing things the right way.

Other Light Crane Operator Certifications We Offer:

We don’t just train picker truck operators. We also provide certification for other light cranes, like:

All our programs follow the same high safety standards to help you meet Alberta rules.

Contact Us to Get Certified

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make sure your team is trained and certified to work safely and legally.

Contact us today to learn more or book your training session. We’re here to help you stay safe and succeed.