Page 336 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 148

S Martin – 23 July 2009

Mobile Crane Near Miss

Please see below self explanatory BP/Bovis Global Alliance Safety Alert.

From: Martin Rackley HSSE Manager Ref. No F/09 Date: 10.06.09

We recently had a mobile crane setting up on site which could have fallen over. The
lessons learnt were:

1. A 25 tonne crane was booked by the Canopy Contractor. The day before it was
due it was requested if it could be brought forward for that afternoon. The crane
hire company sent its first available crane to site which was bigger than planned.
This was the first mistake – not enough time to allow proper planning of changes.

2. The method statement and lifting plan had been produced for the 25 tonne crane
and wasn’t amended to suit the bigger crane. The crane was allowed on site to set
up. Second mistake – it was assumed the larger crane would be ok. It should
have remained off site until an amended lifting plan had been produced and
agreed with the Site Manager.

3. Due to its larger size, the crane needed to temporarily move away from the
designated location as shown on the agreed lifting plan. The driver and Canopy
Contractor Supervisor did not go through the lift plan again or resubmit it to the
Principal Contractor for agreement. The new position of the crane put it next to
the existing foundation of the recently demolished forecourt shop. The floor
foundation of the shop was of the “pot & beam” type and was still in place.
Although this floor was known about it was not shown on the lifting plan and was
not protected by barriers. It was not discussed with the crane driver. This was the
third and most critical mistake. The no go zone was not highlighted on the lifting
plane and the new crane position including its outriggers should have been
reviewed and agreed by everyone, especially the driver.