28d (edited) • Supervision & Control Failures
HIAB Driver Acting as Operator and Lift Supervisor Without Any Briefing
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).
HIAB driver acting as crane operator while no meaningful briefing or toolbox talk was delivered to the lifting team.
Regulatory Mapping
● LOLER Reg. 8 – Lifting operations must be properly planned and supervised.
● LOLER Reg. 9 – Planning must be carried out by a competent person.
● PUWER Reg. 9 – Personnel must receive adequate information, instruction, and training.
● BS 7121-1 – Effective communication and coordination are essential for safe lifting operations.
● CDM 2015 – Contractors must cooperate and coordinate to ensure work is carried out safely.
Key Point
The most dangerous words on a lifting operation are:
"Just crack on."
Five minutes of briefing can prevent a lifetime of regret.
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HIAB Driver Acting as Operator and Lift Supervisor Without Any Briefing
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