Since the start of 2015, there has been 7 crane-related dangerous occurrences, compared to the 12 cases reported in 2014. WSH Council Crane Safety Taskforce, The Singapore Contractor Association Limited (SCAL) and Singapore Crane Association (SCA) are concerned over the recent spate of crane-related accidents and are fully committed to keep the employees and general public safe.
In view of the accidents, SCAL and SCA are taking lead to conduct Safety Time Out (STO) for operations related to mobile and tower cranes. It will be conducted from 9th to 15th March on the following aspects:
- Ensure safe working condition of lifting equipment in particular to the usage of tower and mobile cranes.
- Ensure proper implementation and robustness of lifting plan
- Ensure effective communication with the lifting team on the hazards involved in the lifting operations.
In order to keep crane-related incidents / accidents from recurring, below are recommendations by the council.
1. Establish and implement a lifting plan
It is the duty of the responsible person to establish and implement a lifting plan according to the ‘Code of Practice for Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplace’. Proper implementation of the lifting plan can facilitate common understanding among the lifting crew for a safe outcome.
2. Crane operator to carry out pre-operational test
It is important for crane operators to carry out pre-operational test, before the start of every work shift, on all limiting and indicating devices under no load conditions before any lifting operation is carried out. This is to ensure that the cranes control system and safety devices are functioning properly before the lifting operation commences.
3. Proper maintenance of lifting equipment
It is important to ensure the lifting machine is well maintained. A properly planned maintenance regime can ensure safe and satisfactory operation of the crane. Manufacturer’s manual recommends specific tasks to be carried out at stated intervals, and these periods should not be exceeded.
4. Statutory Examination by the Authorised Examiners
The statutory examination requires an Authorised Examiner to assess if the crane is fit for service at the time of the examination. It is important for the Authorised Examiner to exercise all due diligence in making any certification or in conducting any test or examination of the lifting equipment under the WSH (General Provisions) Regulations.
5. Installation of Data Loggers to better monitor operation of cranes
The data logger is capable of enhancing crane safety through the regular monitoring of lifting operations via the analysis of the data retrieved. MOM encourages key stakeholders to monitor lifting operations regularly. This will allow the key stakeholders to intervene earlier when they find out any unsafe crane operations, such as overloading of cranes and malfunctioning of crane safety devices
New Source: EnvOHS
