Sep 17 (edited) • Human Factors
Entrapment During Lifting Operations
During a lifting operation, a load was being positioned into a restricted area.
A member of the lifting team moved close to the suspended load to help guide it into its final position. As the crane continued moving, the available space between the load and the fixed structure became smaller.
The person had unknowingly positioned themselves inside an entrapment/crush zone.
One unexpected movement, load swing or misunderstood instruction could have resulted in a serious or fatal crushing injury.
What Went Wrong
- Personnel entered the potential crush zone.
- Attention was focused on landing the load rather than escape routes.
- The load was controlled from too close.
- Clearance reduced as the load approached its final position.
- Crane movement and personnel positioning were not adequately coordinated.
The Entrapment Problem
A suspended load does not need to move quickly to kill someone.
Entrapment can occur between:
Load and wall
Load and column
Load and vehicle
Load and crane
Load and another load
Load and steelwork
Even a small crane movement can generate forces that a person cannot physically resist.
Key Lessons Learned
Before approaching a load, ask:
“If this load moves towards me, where do I go?”
If there is no immediate escape route, do not stand there.
Never use your body to stop, push or restrain a suspended load.
Where appropriate, use suitable control methods such as tag lines rather than unnecessarily placing yourself next to the load.
Safety Recommendations
- Identify crush and entrapment zones during the lift briefing.
- Maintain suitable exclusion zones.
- Keep clear escape routes.
- Use slow, controlled movements during final positioning.
- Maintain clear Slinger/Signaller–operator communication.
- Stop crane movement before personnel need to make close adjustments where the planned method requires it.
- Never position yourself between a suspended load and a fixed object.
Incident Source
Safety-learning scenario based on common entrapment hazards during crane lifting and load positioning.
Regulatory Mapping
● LOLER Reg. 8 – Proper planning, supervision and safe execution of lifting operations.
● PUWER Reg. 11 – Protection from dangerous machinery movements and danger zones.
● CDM 2015 – Work must be planned, managed and monitored so risks are properly controlled.
● BS 7121 principles – Safe positioning, load control, communication and exclusion arrangements during lifting operations.
Key Point
Never stand where the load can take away your escape route.
A load does not have to fall to kill someone.
Sometimes it only needs to move a few centimetres in the wrong direction.
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Entrapment During Lifting Operations
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