How To Reduce Common Crane Accidents In Singapore
As one of Asia’s bustling metropolises, the city-state witnesses many construction projects where cranes play a pivotal role. In a place where movement is fast paced, we often ask how can the most common accidents which occur when using cranes be reduced?
By adopting rigorous training programs, implementing cutting-edge technology, and adhering to stringent safety regulations, Singapore aims to reduce these accidents significantly.
This commitment ensures workers’ well-being and upholds the city’s reputation for efficiency and safety in its growing construction industry.
Types of Cranes Commonly Used In Singapore
Lorry Crane
Lorry cranes, also known as truck-mounted cranes, combine transport vehicles and cranes. They are highly versatile, enabling the transportation of goods and lifting operations. Safety concerns with lorry cranes often involve stability during lifting and the need for precise manoeuvring in urban environments.
Mobile Crane
Mobile cranes are all-purpose cranes, ideal for various lifting tasks. They are mounted on a wheeled chassis and are known for their flexibility and mobility across construction sites. However, their safety risks involve careful handling during movement and ensuring a stable base for lifting.
Rough Terrain Crane
Explicitly designed for off-road construction sites, rough terrain cranes have large, rugged tyres and a four-wheel drive system. They are stable on uneven ground, but operators must be vigilant about the crane’s balance and ground conditions to prevent tipping accidents.
Crawler Crane / Crawler Tower Crane
These cranes are mounted on tracks (crawlers), providing excellent stability and mobility on soft or uneven surfaces. Crawler cranes are particularly useful for heavy lifting tasks. However, their considerable weight and movement methods require careful planning for transportation and assembly.
Crawler Telescopic Crane
Combining the features of a telescopic crane and a crawler crane, these are versatile for jobs requiring height and manoeuvrability on challenging terrains. The safety focus of a crawler telescopic crane is on managing the telescopic operations and ensuring stability during lifting and movement.
The Most Common Causes Of Crane Accidents And How To Prevent Them
1. Operator Error
Cause: Operator errors include misjudging the weight and dimensions of loads, incorrect crane setup, and failing to communicate effectively with ground personnel.
Prevention: Implement a comprehensive training programme that includes simulator sessions, mentorship, and regular refresher courses. Encourage open communication channels during operations and enforce the use of standard hand signals and radio communications.
2. Mechanical Failures
Cause: Cranes are sophisticated pieces of machinery that can experience failures in their hydraulic, electrical, or structural systems. Wear and tear over time or the use of substandard parts can exacerbate these issues.
Prevention: Schedule regular maintenance checks and adhere to a strict maintenance checklist based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and local regulations.
3. Overloading
Cause: Pushing a crane beyond its operational capacity is a common error that can lead to structural failure or tipping.
Prevention: Strictly adhere to load limits by using a crane with an overload protection system. Such systems are designed to prevent the crane from overloading and feature an emergency shut-off function. They can also alert the operator through a crane load monitor that emits audible and visual warnings.
Furthermore, managers should regularly download and review the data logger’s information to confirm there has been no tampering or bypassing by the operator. Operator’s training should include education on the physics of crane operations and the risks associated with overloading.
4. Improper Rigging
Cause: Incorrectly secured loads can slip, swing, or even fall, creating hazards not only for the crane operator but also for ground personnel.
Prevention: Rigging should only be performed by certified personnel with extensive training in load dynamics and securement techniques.
5. Environmental Factors
Cause: Operations in adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, lightning, or heavy rain, can dramatically increase the risk of crane accidents.
Prevention: Develop and enforce strict guidelines for crane operation in various weather conditions, including wind speed limits and procedures for securing the crane in stormy weather. Investing in weather monitoring equipment on-site can aid in making informed operational decisions.
6. Lack of Regular Inspections
Cause: Failing to conduct thorough and regular inspections can lead to missed warning signs of potential failures. This oversight can be due to complacency, lack of knowledge, or cutting corners to meet deadlines.
Prevention: Establish a robust inspection regime that exceeds the minimum legal requirements. This should include daily checks by operators and regular maintenance routines performed by mechanics.
Fostering A Culture of Safety
- Leadership Commitment: Senior management’s commitment is the foundation of a safety culture. Leaders must endorse safety policies and actively participate in them, setting a strong example for all staff.
- Continuous Education: Frequent training sessions, safety drills, and workshops ensure that staff know and comprehend the latest safety standards.
- Open Communication: Promote a transparent atmosphere where workers feel safe to report safety concerns and incidents without fear of repercussion. This includes setting up clear reporting procedures and responding swiftly to the reports made.
- Recognition and Reward: Celebrate and reward employees and teams who consistently follow safety practices and contribute to a safer workplace. This positive reinforcement can inspire others to emulate their behaviour.
- Learning from Incidents: Investigate every incident, regardless of its scale, to understand its underlying causes. Share these insights with all employees to avoid future occurrences and transform mistakes into learning opportunities.
- Involvement in Safety Decisions: Engage employees in the safety planning and decision-making processes. Their direct experience can offer invaluable perspectives on practical safety enhancements.
- Well-being Programmes: Acknowledge that physical and mental health are essential for maintaining safety standards. Support employee well-being with programmes aimed at stress management, physical fitness, and healthy living.
Conclusion About Most Common Accidents Which Occur When Using Cranes
In conclusion, reducing crane-related accidents in Singapore requires robust training, strict safety protocols, and advanced technology. Cultivating a safety-first culture and adhering to best practices is crucial to safeguarding personnel and property, underscoring the importance of maintaining high safety standards in crane operations.
Pollisum provides a diverse range of cranes to meet your specific requirements. Our fleet includes RT, mobile, crawler, and lorry cranes available for rent in Singapore.
For further details about our heavy equipment, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or by calling us at +65 67557600. We are always ready to assist with any inquiries regarding our heavy equipment rental services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reducing Common Accidents Which Occur When Using Cranes
The most common safety hazard with overhead cranes and lifting devices in Singapore is the risk of objects falling due to improper rigging or load mishandling. This risk is mitigated by strict adherence to safety protocols, regular equipment inspections, and ensuring that all lifting operations are conducted under the supervision of trained professionals. The risks of using a crane operator in Singapore primarily involve human error, which can stem from insufficient training, fatigue, or non-compliance with safety standards. Singapore's regulations mandate rigorous training and certification for crane operators, alongside regular health and safety assessments. A risk assessment for lifting using cranes in Singapore is a comprehensive evaluation conducted to identify potential hazards associated with a lifting operation. This includes assessing the crane's condition, the weight and balance of the load, environmental factors like wind speed, ground conditions and the competence of the operating crew.
What Is The Most Common Safety Hazard Of Using Overhead Cranes And Lifting Devices?
What Are The Risks Of Using A Crane Operator?
What Is A Risk Assessment For Lifting Using Cranes?