Lifting operations

Loading and unloading at ports involves the use of a wide range of lifting equipment. This may include gantry cranes, slewing cranes, forklift trucks or other similar machinery. Poorly planned lifting operations can lead to significant risks to people working in the area.

Following a number of recent failures of lifting equipment at ports, HSE has produced a paper outlining recommendations for routine maintenance and thorough examination and testing of cranes at ports.

Typical hazards from lifting equipment

Accidents have occurred due to:

• failure of lifting equipment;
• falling loads; and
• workers being crushed by a moving load or lifting equipment.

How the risks can be reduced 

• Use suitable lifting equipment to securely lift cargo.
• Use a competent person to plan the lift. This plan should include the order of work, route, weight, slinging/spreader method and what to do in event of shifted load or bad weather.
• Don’t lift over areas where people are likely to be working or passing.
• All lifting equipment and accessories should be properly inspected and examined.
• Ensure employees and supervisors are trained, competent and experienced in safe lifting.
• If a ship’s lifting equipment is to be used, ensure that it is suitable and subject to a pre-use examination. Check the ship’s documentation of thorough examination.

Which laws apply?

• The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
  • Lifting equipment at work: A brief guide

Further information

• Publications and guidance - Lifting operations