Imagine the responsibility of operating a 300’ boom crane in North America’s most densely populated setting and you’ll understand why a New York City (NYC) crane license is arguably the most difficult of its kind to obtain in the United States. Even under ideal and open conditions, the operation of construction equipment has its risks. And within the confines of an urban environment such risks increase exponentially. International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 14 members sit behind the controls of NYC’s heavy equipment ranging from cranes, excavators and drill rigs, to boom trucks, pavers, and forklifts, etc.
As construction equipment becomes more sophisticated, the importance of training is amplified. Under the direction of IUOE 14 Business Manager, Ed Christian, training and safety have taken on new levels of importance and urgency. With a mission to maintain its rank as the highest skilled trade in the city’s construction industry, Local 14’s training center (Montrose, NY) provides instruction for new and advanced users alike. Among the school’s six training simulators is a 300’ boom crane simulator developed by CM Labs.