Page 968 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 354

25 April 2013

Safety Alert - Crane Operations Suspended

Due to a serious incident in Germany where a contractor sustained a serious injury involving a MID
lift, ABB have suspended all operations involving lifting equipment, including cranes or Hiabs, until
the investigation is complete and results distributed. This includes deliveries to site that require a Hiab
or crane to offload them.

At Xmo Strata we have long recognised that MID installations are one of the most hazardous tasks we
carry out and we have implemented procedures appropriately. All crews involved in MID installations
are trained to National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS four day course) standards and
receive regular updates to ensure they are up to date and confident in the procedures.

The JSA’s for MID works (JSA021, JSA047 and JSA067) are comprehensive and are regularly
reviewed and updated with latest best practice and feedback from site. JSA021 has received 32
alterations since the initial version in 2007, but we are always open to new suggestions as to how to
improve any safe system of work.

Before any crane operations are carried out, an F5.3.2 Mobile Crane Checklist must be completed to
ensure the crane and lifting equipment is in good order and within inspection dates.

A F24.1.6 Permit to Lift is mandatory to ensure the lifting operation is planned and all site specific
conditions have been identified. This plan must then be communicated to everybody involved to
ensure everybody is aware of the procedures.

We believe our safe systems of work for this task are comprehensive, but welcome any feedback and

we will be studying any lessons learnt from this incident in Germany very carefully when released.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything
we do has been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and
charts, some through visual presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we
receive information in a format that works for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of
communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters, videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for
us to share health and safety information, please let us know. Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we
will do all we can to keep you well informed!