News & Views

SafeWork NSW inspectors are targeting mobile crane safety over 2020, as part of its ongoing focus on the safe use of cranes in the building and construction industry.  

Mobile crane site checks 2020

Mobile cranes pose a serious risk to workers and the general public with the most common types of incidents being:

• crane tip/roll-overs
• people being struck by the load or falling objects from the load
• people being struck or crushed by a crane part
• crane contact with buildings, scaffolds and powerlines.

Inspectors are visiting sites state-wide to talk with site supervisors, health and safety representatives (HSRs), operators and doggers about site set-up, safe load movement, and to check operators hold the correct class of high-risk work licence for the mobile crane they are operating.

Inspectors will also be checking crane operation and dogging knowledge levels on key safety issues.

What you can do to work safely with mobile cranes

Make sure you are crane safe:

• only operate a crane that is within the maximum rated capacity (MRC) of your mobile crane high-risk work licence class
• ensure the mobile crane/plant is maintained as per manufacturers recommendations
• plan the job, taking in to account site set-up, load movement, underground and overhead service proximity
• conduct and record pre-start checks
• avoid lifting or moving suspended loads over the heads of workers or the public
• have the appropriate controls in place to manage the risks of falling objects
• ensure inexperienced or new operators and doggers (typically those with five years or less experience) are adequately mentored, supported and supervised.

All electricians utilising or working near cranes should be aware of the requirements of cranes working around overhead power lines. Document the risks associated on the hazard assessment form. If the crane is encroaching within safe approach distance of the overhead powerline, call out the problem to the site supervisor, crane operator or dogman. Safety is our responsibility as well as the crane operators. 

SafeWork has also recently released a fact sheet on operating and hiring mobile cranes. This and other useful resources are available on www.safework.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 10 50.