Rusty Rhodes from Smith Cranes and Construction

NAME:

Rusty Rhodes

EMPLOYER:

Contractor to Smith Cranes

NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY:

20+

ROLE:

Technical Support

RUSTY RHODES

GIVE US A SUMMARY OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY SO FAR… WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND HOW DID COME TO BE IN THIS ROLE? WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES?

I’ve been in the crane and construction industry for over 20 years. Growing up on a rural farm in New Zealand made me who I am today. From an early age I learned how to get my hands dirty and work hard, from shearing sheep, to driving tractors and trucks, to hay making or cropping. As soon as I could open the gate to the farm and wide world, it was off to work.

I started out doing my apprenticeship in Wanganui as a welder and specialised in welding and heavy fabrication. I then crossed the ocean to Australia where I worked in Western Australia for 8 years in the mining industry. I worked on various projects that specialised in a variety of metals (such as gold, nickel, copper and iron ore). I was looking after mechanical and structural builds and upgrades before returning to New Zealand to work with cranes and structural steel in Auckland.

We need to promote the opportunities available, working your way up from dogman to rigger to crane operator.

I started working for Smith Cranes and Construction after the earthquakes in 2011, helping with the decommissioned Clarendon towers and QEII buildings. After that I helped with multiple projects, including the Mill Creek Wind Farm, the Waterview Tunnel construction, New Zealand refinery project and the Pūhoi bridge lifts. While working with Smiths, I have developed my knowledge and understanding of cranes and their capability.

I am working at Ohakea building air hangers as the Site Manager, and am currently getting ready to head back to Turitea Wind Farm to complete South 27 turbines at the end of this year.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IN CRANE SAFETY TODAY?

What I’m seeing is that working in the crane industry is no longer recognised as a specialist trained job. There is no longer a clear pathway for the younger generation to be attracted to work in the industry. We need to promote the opportunities available, working your way up from dogman to rigger to crane operator.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU IN YOUR ROLE AND/OR WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A SAFETY PROFESSIONAL?

I am not a safety professional, I am a practical worker on the ground. I do try to champion safety in all that I do. My motto: I wouldn’t ask anyone to undertake a task that I wouldn’t do.

In terms of safety, it’s more about getting the crew you work with to accept and respect the policies and procedures that are in place. Try to incorporate those into your daily tasks and understand that health and safety is part of everything we do.

HOW DO YOU HELP TO BUILD AN EFFECTIVE SAFETY CULTURE? WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE KEYS TO AN EFFECTIVE SAFETY CULTURE?

What makes me proud is when I get a crew and we create an atmosphere of helping each other. This culture allows them to be themselves as they improve their own skills and understanding. Teamwork and collaboration will result in a safer working environment and the right attitude towards safety and policies.

First lift with Smith Cranes new LTR11200, NZ’s largest crane at Kopaki near Te Kuiti. Rusty and the team secured the job and mobilised the crane.

My motto: I wouldn’t ask anyone to undertake a task that I wouldn’t do.

PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TURITEA WIND FARM PROJECT. WHAT DID IT INVOLVE? WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE? WHAT WERE THE KEY OUTCOMES OR ACHIEVEMENTS? WHAT WAS THE AWARD THAT THE PROJECT WON?

Working on a wind farm has been challenging but rewarding.

We faced many challenges such as a tough environment to deliver items to and install, and limited skilled workers available due to travel restrictions with Covid.

My role for this project was Crane Supervisor. We started the project with one main crane then added another one to hit the tight timeline. Having two cranes on the job meant we had to ensure crane movements were safe and efficient to avoid any incidents.

We also had to plan the lifts during optimal weather windows, and monitor and test all the equipment so we didn’t have any break downs or lifting delays.

The biggest achievement for me was being able to withstand the continuous pressure and not let it affect the guys on the ground. We had to keep pushing, day after day and keep improving our techniques and learnings. I strive to be the best role model to lead and build from the front. I tried to keep positive and deliver a quality product to the client in the Smith name.