Sims Appoints New Safety Director

Bob Berry

November 30, 2010 — Bob Berry has joined the team at Sims Crane and Equipment Co., Tampa, Fla. as safety director. Dean Sims, vice president of marketing, said that as crane and rigging standards become more focused on rigging and signalman certification, the Sims Crane team aims to set a standard in providing basic rigging and signalman courses throughout the organization, and as a resource for construction industry partners.

Berry has been in the crane and rigging industry for 35 years, most recently as a practical examiner and a crane safety specialist. Berry began his IUOE apprenticeship with local 925 in Tampa, Fla. in 1972, graduating at the top of his class.  He was an operator and foreman before becoming a crane safety specialist.  After pursuing involvement in the NCCCO operator certification program, he became the first practical examiner in the U.S. for NCCCO.

Berry has also had a 10-year side career as Bobo the Clown, making regular trips to local hospitals to perform for children, and organizing events for the Special Olympics.