“Safety has always been a top priority for us,” relates Illini Hi-Reach CEO Larry Workman. “It begins when you deliver a piece of equipment. You do a walk-around with the customer, explain dos and don’ts, and determine how familiar the operator will be with the equipment.”
But as he said, that’s just the beginning of safety training for this Crown Point, Indiana-based company. It also offers a four-hour ANSI, OSHA certification class with a classroom instructor, a video presentation, and actual hands-on training. Those who take the class are awarded a certificate, not unlike a driver’s license, that gives the date issued and product certification.
“Six of our employees have gone through a week-long safety training program called “train the trainers” at the JLG factory headquarters. They are certified to teach safety training classes, either here, at one of our five locations throughout Indiana and Illinois, or onsite at customer facilities,” explains Workman. “We also hold monthly safety training with our employees, providing timely safety tips gleaned from our own experiences and from other industry sources, including trade magazines. Our new Crown Point facility also has a state-of-the art audio/visual training center.”
Just last month, the company added another layer of safety when it hired a truck dispatcher, DOT trained in load specifications and safety. “Even though we’re just a regional player and not nearly as big as the national companies, we have more than 1,000 aerial lifts in our inventory and trucks spend a lot of time on the road,” added Workman. “Making sure they are well maintained and properly loaded is not only fundamental to their safe operation but helps ensure that pickups and deliveries are made on time.”
In addition to renting aerial lifts to a wide variety of general contactors and subs, Illini Hi-Reach generates approximately 30 percent of its revenue from selling JLG equipment. The company employs more than 45 people and offers full-service at all five locations.
“We had a very good year last year, and our stores are doing well again,” said Workman. “New construction is currently driving most of our rental business, with markets in neighboring Indiana and Wisconsin showing the greatest activity.”
