Tips for Risk Management you need to know:
Risk management in lifting is critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations involving cranes and other lifting equipment. When handling heavy loads, rigorous planning and clearly defined procedures are essential to minimize risks and prevent accidents. In this article, we will discuss best practices for risk management in lifting, highlighting the importance of planning, team preparation, and the necessary skills for operators.
Planning: The Key to Safety:
The first step to a safe lifting operation is detailed planning. Risk is always present in any lifting operation, but it can be significantly mitigated with effective planning. This process involves selecting the appropriate equipment, defining detailed procedures, and preparing the team involved in the operation.
Statistics indicate that only 6% of accidents in lifting operations are related to equipment failure, while 94% are attributed to human error, either in supervision or operation. This highlights the crucial importance of planning and adequate training for operators and supervisors.
What are the risks of not creating a Rigging Plan?
For complex operations, preparing a rigging plan is essential. This plan should include:
Drawings with actual measurements in millimeters.
A plan view of the crane’s location.
An elevation view showing clearances between the load, boom, and other obstacles.
Detailed information about the crane, load, and rigging.
For simpler operations, a form may be sufficient, but it is crucial that the crane’s capacity under the most critical conditions is clearly defined and communicated.
Team and Skills
Team Composition
The team involved in the lifting operation must include:
- Planners;
- Supervisors;
- Equipment Operators;
- Load handling assistants (rigging signalmen, as per NRs).
Each team member must be well-trained and aware of safety procedures.
Operator Skills:
Crane operators must possess a specific set of skills that go beyond basic training. Core skills include:
Theoretical Knowledge: Understanding safety procedures and planning safe operations.
Practical Skills: Precise load control, acquired through extensive training and practical experience.
Equipment Familiarity: The operator must be familiar with the specific equipment they will be operating, as each model has its own characteristics and limitations that must be understood. This knowledge is generally imparted by the manufacturer or by instructors trained by them.
Procedures and Safety:
Well-defined procedures that are understood by the entire team are essential. These procedures must be strictly followed, without exception, even under pressure from tight schedules. Ignoring safety procedures or attempting to simplify operations can lead to serious accidents.
Furthermore, the adoption of technology, including sensors and computers that monitor and limit operations, has made the machine-operator relationship safer. However, the operator must always be in control and not blindly rely on technology. Disabling safety systems to increase equipment capacity is a dangerous and unacceptable practice.
Risk management in lifting requires detailed planning, a well-trained team, and rigorous safety procedures. Operator experience and knowledge are essential for safe operations. With a safety-focused approach and risk anticipation, hazards can be minimized and successful lifting operations ensured.
Here at , safety is a key differentiator, and that’s why we constantly invest in training, support teams, and modern equipment to minimize the risks inherent in operations.