Hill Crane Service has been in business for 78 years, a legacy started by my grandfather and grandmother. As the third generation to operate the company, I have witnessed significant advancements in technology and equipment that have greatly enhanced employee safety and improved the industry as a whole.

As individual companies, many of us continuously strive to improve the safety of our employees, strengthen our safety culture, and uphold our core values. If you truly care about the well-being of your team, this commitment comes naturally. It is a pledge I have made to our organization and the clients we serve.

However, more needs to be done. Throughout my career, I have encountered situations I hope no one else ever has to face. I believe there is a gap in sharing individual experiences—one that, if bridged, could benefit the industry overall. Too often, companies hesitate to share their shortcomings, whether out of fear that competitors will use the information to their advantage or simply due to company pride.

But no one understands our business better than we do. While some may think this industry is vast, in reality, it is a close-knit community. When an accident occurs, word spreads within minutes. Now, imagine if ideas that improve safety—whether for a process, an operation, or an individual—spread just as quickly. Even if just one person is spared from injury, that would be a tremendous success.

Those of us who live and work in this industry are the ones who truly know how to keep it safe. We must speak up. When something happens, we should share it—because that knowledge might help prevent someone else from getting hurt.

Ron Hill
Hill Crane Service Inc.