CraneSafe Goes Global as Australia–USA Partnership Sets New Crane Inspection Standard
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
A landmark partnership between CICA and NCCCO will see Australia’s proven CraneSafe Green Sticker inspection system launched in the United States. The initiative aims to deliver consistent, standardised crane inspections, improve safety outcomes, and align best practice across two of the world’s largest crane markets.
CICA and NCCCO Form Strategic International Safety Partnership
The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) in the United States, marking a major step toward strengthening international crane inspection standards and global safety outcomes.
The agreement will launch with the introduction of the Green Sticker by CraneSafe (GSCS) programme in the USA, creating the country’s first national, standardised system for the periodic inspection of cranes and load handling equipment.
Green Sticker Programme Built on Proven CraneSafe Model
Developed in collaboration with NCCCO Certification, the GSCS programme is based on Australia’s well-established CICA CraneSafe model, which has been refined and expanded over more than two decades.
The system provides crane owners, site managers, and employers with a consistent, transparent, and defensible framework for verifying crane inspection processes, supporting regulatory compliance and risk management.
The Green Sticker by CraneSafe programme integrates:
CCO-certified independent inspectors
Equipment-specific inspection forms
A standardised inspection methodology
Together, these elements are designed to deliver reliable, repeatable inspection outcomes across diverse crane types and operating environments.
Australia’s CraneSafe Model Expands to the United States
In Australia, the CraneSafe Green Sticker system is firmly embedded within annual crane inspection regimes and is widely supported by crane owners, contractors, and regulators.
The expansion of this proven framework into the United States represents a significant global milestone for the crane industry, opening the door to greater consistency, knowledge sharing, and technical alignment between two major crane markets.
The partnership also aims to support continuous improvement in inspection practices, helping drive higher safety standards worldwide.
Industry Leaders Highlight Global Safety Impact
CICA chief executive Brandon Hitch, who will relocate to the United States as part of the collaboration, said the partnership reflects Australia’s leadership in crane safety.
“This partnership reflects Australia’s leadership in crane safety and delivers real benefits for both nations. Australia has spent decades building a robust, respected crane inspection system through CraneSafe. Seeing this framework adopted on a national scale in the United States is a powerful endorsement of our approach.”
NCCCO chief executive Thom Sicklesteel emphasised the shared vision behind the initiative.
“Just like in Australia, the goal is to create a gold standard for periodic inspections, improving safety, accountability, and asset protection across the industry. We are excited to be collaborating with CICA on this.”
CICA chairman Marcus Ferrari added:
“This agreement elevates Australian safety standards onto the world stage. It strengthens collaboration between two major crane markets, improves consistency in inspection outcomes, and supports safer worksites for operators in both countries.”
CraneSafe USA Seminar Announced
To introduce the programme to the US market, CraneSafe USA will host a live online seminar on 22 January at 12:30pm US Eastern Time, outlining the Green Sticker programme and the broader CraneSafe USA inspection framework.
CICA site operations advisor Patrick Cran, who has overseen the partnership and the ongoing development of CraneSafe in Australia, said the collaboration delivers industry-wide benefits.
“This partnership benefits everyone. Most importantly, it helps keep worksites safer and ensures operations continue to uphold best practice, which is what our industry is all about.”
23 Years of CraneSafe Leadership
The CICA CraneSafe / Green Sticker programme dates back more than 23 years, originating in Victoria, where the Green Sticker was initially issued by WorkSafe Victoria. The programme was later adopted, expanded, and significantly enhanced by CICA, evolving into a nationally recognised safety benchmark.
About CICA
The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) is the peak body representing the Australian crane industry. CICA develops industry-led safety initiatives, training frameworks, and technical guidance, with CraneSafe standing as one of the country’s most successful and enduring safety programmes.
Website: https://www.cica.com.au
About NCCCO
The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is a US-based organisation dedicated to improving safety through the certification of crane operators, riggers, signal persons, and inspectors. NCCCO certifications are widely recognised across North America and internationally.
Website: https://www.nccco.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Sticker by CraneSafe (GSCS) programme?
The GSCS programme is a standardised crane inspection system designed to deliver consistent, transparent, and repeatable inspection outcomes.
Why is this partnership significant for the crane industry?
It introduces the first national standardised crane inspection framework in the USA, based on Australia’s proven CraneSafe model.
Who are the partners involved in the agreement?
The partnership is between CICA and the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
How long has CraneSafe been operating in Australia?
The CraneSafe Green Sticker programme has been operating for more than 23 years.
When is the CraneSafe USA information seminar taking place?
The live online seminar will take place on 22 January at 12:30pm US Eastern Time.
