Hill Crane has become a trusted leader in crane services by prioritizing safety and operational excellence in everything they do. Led by Eric Johnson, Corporate Safety Director, the company has successfully managed the challenges of safety compliance and contractor oversight in high-stakes industries like heavy civil construction, petroleum refineries, and renewable energy. Their collaboration with Highwire has been a transformative partnership, driving innovation and helping Hill Crane reach new heights—most notably earning Highwire’s prestigious Platinum Safety Award.
A Rigorous Commitment to Safety
Safety isn’t just a requirement at Hill Crane, it’s a core value that influences every decision they make. "This is who we are and what we do," says Eric Johnson, Corporate Safety Director, emphasizing how deeply safety is woven into Hill Crane’s culture. Highwire plays a critical role in supporting this mission by providing tools that elevate contractor evaluations, simplify compliance, and uphold the company’s high safety standards.
Operating in high-stakes environments like petroleum refineries, Hill Crane must meet demanding training and certification requirements, including Homeland Security’s Process Safety Management standards for oil refineries. Their work also requires strict compliance with safety protocols and certifications for operations on railroad properties, such as those owned by BNSF, along with stringent MSHA regulations for mine operations. In these industries, compliance isn’t optional; it’s essential. Highwire’s platform streamlines these complex processes, helping Hill Crane stay ahead of regulations while prioritizing proactive and forward-thinking safety practices.
Why Highwire Stands Out
Before partnering with Highwire, Hill Crane managed contractor safety assessments and compliance tracking using a combination of internal processes and various web-based platforms. While these tools got the job done, they often felt disjointed and limited. Highwire transformed this approach by introducing an integrated, collaborative model that prioritizes contractor success over basic pass/fail evaluations.
“Highwire isn’t mechanical—it goes deeper,” explains Eric Johnson. Unlike traditional platforms, Highwire delivers meaningful insights that allow companies like Hill Crane to highlight their strengths to clients. Its performance categories showcase organizations that exceed safety standards, making Hill Crane’s accomplishments clear to both current and potential clients.
This enhanced visibility has been a game-changer for Hill Crane. With Highwire’s validation, major contractors now recognize Hill Crane as a leader in safety, helping the company build stronger relationships and secure more work. As a testament to their achievements, Johnson proudly shares that every Hill Crane team member includes their Highwire Platinum Safety Award in their email signature, underscoring the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence in every interaction.
Recognition for Excellence
Winning the Platinum Safety Award is a significant achievement that underscores Hill Crane’s unwavering dedication to employee safety and their ability to surpass industry expectations. This recognition sends a strong message to both employees and customers: Hill Crane doesn’t just meet safety standards—they set them.
“This recognition shows our employees that we care about their safety, not just as a slogan, but as a practice,” says Eric Johnson. “It also tells our customers that they’re partnering with a company that prioritizes safety in everything we do.”
Reflecting further on the award, Johnson highlights Hill Crane’s long-standing culture of safety. “Simply put, it’s what we do and who we are. We have always pushed from the top down to excel when it comes to the safety of our workforce and our family of employees,” he explains. “So we really didn’t have to take any extra steps to meet those standards.”
By offering a platform that highlights key performance metrics and encourages continuous improvement, Highwire continues to support Hill Crane in reinforcing its reputation as a safety-driven leader in the industry.
A Model for Success
Hill Crane’s collaboration with Highwire showcases how innovative tools can drive safety and operational excellence to new heights. For organizations juggling complex projects and diverse contractor networks, Hill Crane’s experience is a powerful testament to the impact of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Under Eric Johnson’s leadership, the team at Hill Crane continues to raise the standard for safety. They prove what’s achievable when a strong safety culture aligns with the right technology. Highwire isn’t just a tool for Hill Crane; it’s a trusted partner in their ongoing journey of success.
Ready to elevate your safety and operational performance like Hill Crane? Discover how Highwire can help your team achieve excellence and set new industry standards. Contact us today to learn more!