No matter where you are located or what jobs sites you serve, protecting your team is the duty of every crane and rigging company. That starts with the development of an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
What is an IIPP?
An IIPP is a written, employer-specific safety plan, required or encouraged in over 30 states.
It’s personalized. Your job sites, your equipment, your crew, everything that sets you apart from competitors are foundations of this document. Your IIPP can’t be written based on a template or copied from an example online. Your company is specific and so are your risks.
It's not a document you write once, file away and never look at again. An IIPP needs to evolve as your company evolves and it should be reviewed at least annually to reflect changing times.
What is included in an IIPP?
Responsibility designations. Who is in charge of what and who is being held accountable. Each level of the organization will have its own safety needs. Your document should spell out clearly the roles of your employees.
Hazard identification. How can you identify, evaluate and control risks? Crane failure, improper rigging and electrical hazards are just a few key areas to think about and include. This is where that customization comes into play.
Daily inspections. Is your equipment free of damage and working properly? Brakes, leaks, controls, rigging gear and all facets of your machines should be looked at daily to ensure there haven’t been any changes that would affect the quality of work or cause harm to an operator.
Protocol around incidents. When something happens, what is the procedure for reporting it? What was the cause? How can this be eliminated in the future? Write your policy relative to the types of jobs you do.
Training documentation. Has your team received, and signed off, that they have had the proper training to perform their job? Training is an ongoing part of the process. Keep all certifications and training records up to date.
It’s not enough to just write an IIPP, it’s about working with your team as you create and edit the document, allowing them to ask questions, raise concerns and offer suggestions. They are the ones with the most advanced knowledge about hazards and working environments.
Your employees know the job better than anyone, they’ve seen and heard it all, and their feedback is everything. Your IIPP should be accessible at all times to anyone that wants to review it.
Why is having an IIPP so important in the crane and rigging industry?
This industry is high-hazard. A dropped load or equipment hitting a power line can lead to fatal outcomes. Data from the Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau states that 93% of crane and rigging incidents are due to human error.
All it takes is one incident for insurance premiums to spike and your ability to bid jobs to decrease. Claims that stem from inadequate safety programs create coverage gaps and contract issues.
Other risks stemming from a weak IIPP include:
OSHA citations and fines
Increased workers' comp claims
Higher general liability exposure
Reputational damage
Safety isn’t just another line item in your daily operations. It’s the top line. It’s the most important.
How can an IIPP affect my insurance rates?
Carriers look at your loss history, EMR and safety documentation when pricing your policy. An IIPP positions you as a company that demonstrates proactive risk management.
At Emery & Karrigan, we work alongside clients to review safety programs and identify gaps that could affect coverage or claims outcomes, because protecting your team and protecting your premiums go together. Reach out if you'd like to start a conversation.