November 19, 2015 (Sanford, Fla.) – Carl Whitaker, a training specialist for Crane Institute of America since 2007, was recently named 2015 Professional Honorable Mention by Crane & Rigging Hot Line and Association of Crane & Rigging Professionals, announces Crane Institute.
The Annual Training Excellence Award winners are selected by a panel of industry judges for having a positive impact on safety, encouraging accountability in the workplace, and demonstrating qualities of innovation and leadership.
“Carl’s success as a trainer is due to blending illustrative and hands-on techniques while taking a learner-centered approach,” said Jim Headley, President of Crane Institute. “Carl knows that people learn by doing. In classic learner-centered fashion, Carl frequently answers his students’ questions with questions of his own.”
Whitaker was just one of three trainers in the Professional category to receive Honorable Mention. According to the November 2015 report, “Falling just a few points behind the Top Trainer, [Honorable Mention trainers] also deserve recognition for their achievements as trainers.”
Upon receiving news of his selection as an Honorable Mention Top Trainer, Whitaker said: “There are a lot of good instructors out there. It is an honor to be listed in the ranks with such top quality instructors. I give God the credit for giving me the skills, and thank Crane Institute of America for giving me the to
ols and opportunity. Our job as instructors in the crane and rigging industry is an extremely important element in helping students be safer.”
Whitaker has 22 years of experience as a crane and rigging trainer. He gained much of his expertise while working in heavy industry for a graphite electrodes manufacturer, where he gained firsthand knowledge of equipment operation, maintenance, and plant operations.
“Many of the companies that submitted recommendations for Carl frequently request him by name...
This year American Cranes & Transport’s (ACT) annual roundtable on safety and training included thought from Debbie Dickinson, Executive Director, Crane Institute Certification (CIC). ACT posed the questions and Dickinson and two other ‘industry gurus’ provided answers.
ACT: There seems to be a much greater acceptance of training, certification and the development of a true safety culture in the realm of the crane and transport sector than ever before. What do you think has prompted this acceptance?
Dickinson: Historically, the crane industry has been one to push self-regulation. Perhaps because the crane industry is more visible than other sectors of the construction market. Members of organizations like ACRP, AGC, SC&RA, CCAA, ASME B30 members and individuals who serve on accredited certification committees dedicate thousands of volunteer hours each year looking for ways to make the industry safer. While Federal and State OSHA boards add emphasis to the call for safety, today’s crane industry places intrinsic value on safety. Indeed, the bottom line is that safety is good business. Contractors cannot afford accidents that raise their EMR higher than 1.0. They lose the right to even hold bids considered. Training, certification and a safety culture that demands work be performed safely helps prevent accidents.
Certification has become the norm. But training is required to achieve certification. Quality training + accredited certification = Improved Safety Culture.
Also read:
Training Round-up: The Biggest Issue in Crane Safety
Training Round-up: Common Crane Accidents & Prevention
Courtesy of American Cranes & Transport.
January 2014, Volume 10, Issue 1
