We created ICC Safety Solutions to address the risks associated with crane and construction equipment operations.

We bring decades of experience to every assignment.

1987

Jim Wiethorn begins his forensic engineering career.

In 1987, after retiring from the construction industry, Jim Wiethorn joined Haag Engineering Co. and started a new career in forensic engineering. Jim provided expert consulting services related to crane, rigging and construction accidents.

1987

2005

Matt Gardiner joins Jim Wiethorn to form the Crane Group.

After meeting Jim Wiethorn on a construction site, Matt and Jim collaborated to form the Crane Group. Matt brought additional depth and expertise for investigating and consulting on a variety of crane, rigging and construction related accidents.

2005

2010

Dave Palo joins the Crane Group.

Dave Palo joined Jim Wiethorn and Matt Gardiner in the Crane Group to provide technical services and added depth to their expert services with his CAD and 3D modeling skills.

2010

2012

Ray King joins the Crane Group.

Ray King joined the Crane Group full-time after first interning with the group. Ray brought technical and consulting depth with his analytical and consulting expertise.

2012

2014

Jim Wiethorn publishes “Crane Accidents: A Study of Causes & Trends to Create a Safer Work Environment, 1983-2013.”

The largest and most extensive research ever conducted in the industry, a total of 501 crane accidents were evaluated over a 30-year period.

2014

2018

Wiethorn updates the study to include 701 crane accidents.

Jim’s dissertation, “An Analysis of Critical Factors of Lift Planning to Improve Crane Safety Based on Forensic Causation of Crane Accidents” examined causation and established duties and responsibilities in accordance with ASME B30 national consensus standards.

2018

2020

2020 – ICC Forensics is formed and opens for business.

In November 2020, Matt Gardiner joined ICC and started ICC Forensics to deliver unparalleled engineering & consulting services for the crane, rigging and construction industry.
2020

With new services and products under development, our plans for the future are truly ambitious.

Our people are the best of the best.
It’s that simple.

Jim Wiethorn

Ph.D., PE
Jim Wiethorn has been involved in the design, construction, and evaluation of residential, commercial and industrial buildings since 1973. His experience has included evaluation and assessment of damage and failure of all construction types and systems, in particular, crane accidents and operations. His construction background includes involvement as a third-generation general contractor in the family business, as well as Certificate of Competency as a General Contractor in Florida, by exam.

Dr. Wiethorn has owned and operated cranes while working in the construction industry and has evaluated over 1,100 crane and rigging failures throughout the United States and abroad. Currently, he serves on the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (“NCCCO”), Tower Crane Committee, and Rigger Task Force Committee dealing with the testing and certification of crane operators and rigging. Additionally, Dr. Wiethorn is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”) B30 Main Committee; and, B30.3, Tower Cranes, and B30.29, Self-Erecting Tower Cranes sub-committees.

In 2018, Dr. Wiethorn received a patent for Securement for Crawler Cranes and System and Method for Use of Same to address large cranes working in heavily congested area. He currently has non-provisional patents pending for Crane Risk Logic; Overhead Power Hazard Identification and Non-Accident Data (Evaluator).. Dr. Wiethorn is a founder of International Crane & Construction Safety Solutions, LLC,. and is currently licensed as a professional engineer in 35 states. He has testified in over 130 trials and 320 depositions and has been named as one of Engineering News Record’s Top 25 News Makers in 2015.

ICC Forensics

Kevin Cunningham

Kevin Cunningham is a seasoned crane industry entrepreneur and has successfully founded and operated four separate risk management-based insurance underwriting companies over the past 25 years specializing in the crane and heavy equipment operator industry segments. Cunningham is a highly recognized speaker and author of risk control and litigation containment techniques for crane & construction trade groups and industry publications.

He was one of the founding commissioners of the National Commission for Certification of Crane Operators (“NCCCO”) and is a former faculty member of the Construction Safety Council (“CSC”). Cunningham also developed the original Crane Industry Risk Management Support System (“RMSS”) for the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (“SCRA”).
Matt Gardiner

Matt Gardiner

P.E.

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David Palo

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ICC Analytics

Ray King

Ray King

P.E.

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