WORKPLACE, HEALTH & SAFETY
A word from the safety regulator
SafeWork continues to target crane safety in 2020 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
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obile cranes pose a serious risk to workers and the general public with the most common types of incidents being:
and dogging knowledge levels on key safety issues. What you can do to work safely with mobile cranes
• crane tip/roll-overs
Make sure you are crane safe:
• people being struck by the load or falling objects from the load
• only operate a crane that is within the maximum rated capacity (MRC) of your mobile crane high risk work licence class
• 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
• 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. Licencing Mobile crane operators must only operate a crane within the high risk work licence class that they hold. For example, if they hold a C6 licence, they cannot operate slewing mobile cranes with more than 60 tonne capacity. Some crane licences incorporate other classes. For example, the C6 incorporates the C2 (up to 20t), CN (non-slewing mobile crane) and CV (vehicle loading crane) licence classes. Persons operating these types of cranes under their slewing mobile crane licence must be trained in the safe operation of the crane. On-the-spot fines apply for persons who undertake high risk work, including using cranes, without holding the correct class of Issue Three | July-September 2020 | MBA NSW
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