NECS Fall 2025 Newsletter

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NEW ENGLAND CRANE SCHOOL

Winter 2025

Winter Crane Safety: Cold Weather Considerations

Winter is coming, and that means crane operators, riggers and site supervisors should be thinking about cold weather safety factors. Here are some things to consider as the weather changes:

Crane and rigging inspections are always important, but they become even more so in cold weather. Don’t take shortcuts! Supervisors, make sure operators are continuing periodic inspections and not neglecting them because it’s freezing outside.
You can easily overload a crane because the load is frozen to the deck or roof, stuck in the mud, etc. Pay attention.
Look for cables that may be frozen to the crane's boom or hoist drum.
Even crawlers can get frozen to the ground. Monitor weather conditions when leaving them in damp weather.
Engine heat can melt frozen ground and cause instability under the outrigger floats or cribbing.
Leaving synthetic slings outside overnight could delay operations the next day while you wait for them to thaw.
Hydraulics can more easily fail in cold weather.
Rubber parts can also fail – slides on hydraulic cranes, seals, etc. When rubber freezes and loses its flexibility, it can easily crack and break.
Check your heaters in the cab – operators can fail in cold weather too. Numb fingers fumble and make mistakes. Cold can impair brain function by reducing blood flow to the brain, which affects memory, attention, and processing speed. Wear appropriate clothing.
Wind conditions may be more intense when there is no foliage to block the wind.

New England Crane School is at its busiest in the winter, so we have long known the importance of bundling Mark and Bob up for the weather!

It’s okay to wear your ANSI-approved cowboy hat — just don’t try to be a cowboy in the crane.


	New England Crane School 2025-26 Season Schedule

November 19, 2025
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Portland, ME

November 20 - 21, 2025
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Portland, ME
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

December 8, 2025 – New location!
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Vermont Construction Academy in Winooski, VT

December 8 – 12, 2025 – New location!
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Wood’s CRW Corp in Williston, VT
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified.

January 28, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Concord, NH

January 29 - 30, 2026
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Concord, NH
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

February 9, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Dover, NH

February 9 – 13, 2026
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Dover, NH
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified.

February 18, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Association General Contractors of VT, Montpelier

February 19 - 20, 2026
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, AGCVT, Montpelier, VT
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

March 9, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Portland, ME

March 9 – 13, 2026
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Portland, ME
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified.

March 25, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Concord, NH

March 26 - 27, 2026
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Concord, NH
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

April 1 – 3, 2026
NCCCO recert class, Dover, NH
This class is only for operators holding a current CCO certification who have 1000 hours of seat time in the previous five years.

April 6 – 10, 2026
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Shawmut Equipment in South Easton, ME
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified.

April 22, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Portland, ME

April 23 - 24, 2026
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Portland, ME
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

April 27, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Burlington, VT area

April 27 – May 1, 2026
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Burlington, VT area
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified.

May 11 – 15, 2026
NCCCO certification class, Shawmut Equipment, South Easton, MA
This class is only advised for experienced operators.

May 27, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Concord, NH

May 28 - 29, 2026
NCCER recert/short operator cert class, Concord, NH
This class is meant for re-certifying operators, or operators who are looking for a fast-track option and are willing to study on their own.

June 8, 2026
Qualified signal person and basic rigging, Dover, NH

June 8 - 12, 2026
NCCER rookie/long operator cert class, Dover, NH
This class is meant for rookies or people who need more classroom prep time. We can also modify it for experienced operators who still need to get certified.

For more information or to register:
email desiree@newenglandcraneschool.com
or visit www.newenglandcraneschool.com

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