Incident Overview A site team needed to lift materials into a restricted internal courtyard with limited access, poor turning space, and sensitive ground conditions. The first suggestion was to use a HIAB / lorry-mounted crane because it was already delivering materials. This looked quicker and cheaper on paper. However, the lorry-mounted crane required vehicle access, enough outrigger space, and a stable set-up area. A spider crane would have been more suitable because it can access tighter spaces, work inside restricted areas, and set up closer to the lift point. Spider cranes are specifically used where larger cranes or vehicle-mounted cranes cannot easily access, including confined spaces and restricted routes. What Went Wrong Wrong crane type considered for the environment. HIAB selected because it was convenient, not because it was best. Access route and outrigger space were underestimated. Ground conditions were not fully assessed. Risk of collision with site structures increased. Risk of instability or overturning increased. The lift was treated as delivery work instead of a planned lifting operation. Key Lessons Learned Convenience is not crane selection. A HIAB is excellent for delivery/offload work, but it is not always the safest choice for restricted lifting. Spider cranes are better where access is tight, the lift point is internal, or the crane must get closer to the load. Lorry loaders still require proper stabiliser deployment and strict adherence to manufacturer instructions. HSE has also warned of serious crush risks around some lorry-loader stabilisers. A smaller crane can sometimes be the safer crane. https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/lorry-loaders.htm Safety Recommendations Choose the crane based on the lift environment, not availability. Check access, ground bearing, outrigger positions, radius, and collision risks. Use a spider crane where access is restricted or the lift point is difficult to reach.

Incident Overview A major London project required a large generator and mechanical plant to be installed on the roof of a high-rise building. Instead of using a conventional mobile crane, the contractor chose a helicopter lift to save time, reduce costs, and avoid lengthy road closures and council permits. The helicopter successfully delivered the load to the roof within minutes. Helicopter lifting is increasingly used in London because it can avoid major traffic disruption and long crane setups. However, the operation demonstrates an important lesson: Just because a helicopter can complete the lift quickly does not mean the planning can be quick. What Went Wrong Pressure to save time and money can reduce planning quality. The speed of helicopter operations leaves almost no margin for error. Load preparation, sling arrangement, landing area, and rooftop coordination must be perfect before the aircraft arrives. Unlike a mobile crane, there is little opportunity to "pause and adjust" once the helicopter is in position. Every second of delay increases operational risk and cost. Key Lessons Learned Fast lifting does not mean simple lifting. Helicopter lifts require even greater planning than conventional crane lifts. Ground crew and rooftop teams must work as one coordinated operation. Every load must be accurately weighed, prepared, and secured before take-off. The landing area must be completely clear and ready before the helicopter arrives. Safety Recommendations Carry out a full contract lift assessment before selecting a helicopter solution. Confirm accurate load weights and centre of gravity. Prepare and inspect all lifting accessories before the aircraft arrives. Establish exclusion zones on both the pick-up and landing areas. Ensure continuous communication between pilot, lifting supervisor, rooftop team, and ground crew. Never allow programme pressure or cost savings to compromise planning. Incident Source Helicopter lifting is increasingly used on UK construction projects to install rooftop generators, chillers, and HVAC plant where mobile cranes would require significant road closures or cannot access the site. Operations are completed in minutes but demand extensive planning and coordination.

Incident Overview A HIAB lorry arrived on a construction site to move materials under what appeared to be a routine lifting operation. The lorry driver was also acting as the crane operator and effectively took on the role of lift supervisor, despite no formal coordination taking place. The slinger/signaller attending the lift was simply told to "crack on". No toolbox talk was delivered, no discussion took place regarding the lifting sequence, crane capacity, load weights, exclusion zones, communication methods, or emergency procedures. The lift plan, if available, was signed quickly without any meaningful review or verbal briefing. The operation relied entirely on experience and assumption rather than communication and planning. What Went Wrong No pre-lift toolbox talk delivered No verbal briefing provided to the slinger Roles and responsibilities never confirmed No discussion regarding crane capacity or lifting methodology No communication plan established between operator and slinger No confirmation of exclusion zones or pedestrian control Operation relied on assumption rather than planning Safety culture reduced to "just crack on" Key Lessons Learned Routine lifts still require proper planning and communication A toolbox talk aligns the entire lifting team before work begins Experience should never replace a safe system of work The slinger must understand the lifting method before attaching the load Good communication prevents incidents before they happen Safety Recommendations Conduct a toolbox talk before every lifting operation, regardless of size. Clearly define the roles of operator, slinger, and supervisor. Review the lift plan and lifting methodology with the entire team. Confirm communication methods and emergency stop procedures. Establish exclusion zones before lifting begins. If the lifting team has not been briefed, stop the lift until a proper briefing takes place. Incident Source Real construction site observation – UK HIAB lifting operation (2026).

Incident Overview During two separate contract lift operations in Cambridge and Northampton, lifting personnel attended site under major crane hire companies supplying mobile cranes, operators, and lift supervisors. Despite the high-risk nature of the operations and extreme summer heat conditions, no proper verbal briefing was delivered before lifting activities started. Personnel were instructed to sign the lift plan and begin operations immediately. Two contract lifts, two different lift supervisors, two big names crane hire firms. No meaningful discussion took place regarding: •Crane capacity •Lifting methodology •Sling configuration •Roles and responsibilities •Site-specific risks •Heat stress management •Emergency arrangements •No post-lift briefing was carried out either. The operations continued throughout high temperatures with personnel exposed to direct sunlight and operational pressure without proper coordination or welfare discussion. What Went Wrong No verbal pre-lift briefing delivered No post-lift debrief completed Personnel signed lift plans without proper review or understanding No discussion about heat stress or sun exposure risks Roles and responsibilities poorly communicated No confirmation of lifting methodology or crane limitations Safety reduced to paperwork instead of active supervision False assumption that “big company” equals safe operation Key Lessons Learned A signed lift plan does not replace a real briefing Heat stress reduces concentration, awareness, and decision-making Lifting teams require communication, not just paperwork Professional appearance does not guarantee professional safety culture Contract lifts still require active supervision and leadership Safety Recommendations Deliver full verbal briefings before every lifting operation. Discuss site-specific risks including heat stress and fatigue. Confirm lifting methodology, crane limits, and personnel roles. Carry out post-lift debriefs to identify issues and improvements. Encourage lifting teams to challenge unsafe or rushed operations.

Incident Overview During a tower crane operation on a UK construction site, a tub of mortar was being lifted to upper floors for bricklayers. As the load began travelling upward, the slinger was still holding the tagline attached to the load. During the lift, the tagline became twisted and wrapped around the slinger’s hand, causing him to be lifted from the ground together with the moving load. The slinger was reportedly lifted approximately 3-4 storeys high (around 20 metres) before someone on site noticed the situation and communicated with the crane operator to stop the lift immediately. The incident had extremely high fatality potential. What Went Wrong Slinger remained attached to the tagline during live lifting operation Tagline wrapped/twisted around the slinger’s hand No safe release distance maintained from suspended load Lifting operation continued without immediate recognition of entanglement Poor monitoring of load travel during vertical movement Unsafe proximity between personnel and suspended load Key Lessons Learned Taglines must control the load, not control the person Personnel should never wrap taglines around hands or body parts Entanglement hazards can become fatal within seconds Tower crane lifts require constant monitoring during load travel Simple unsafe habits can escalate into life-threatening incidents Safety Recommendations Never wrap taglines around hands, wrists, or body. Maintain safe distance from suspended loads during lifting. Release taglines once load control is no longer required. Brief lifting teams on entanglement and snagging hazards. Ensure crane operators and supervisors actively monitor load travel paths. Stop lifting operations immediately if personnel become entangled. Incident Source Real incident reported on a UK construction site (2026). Slinger lifted approximately 20 metres after tagline became wrapped around hand during tower crane mortar tub lift. Regulatory Mapping ● LOLER Reg. 8 – Lifting operations must be properly planned and supervised.