Institution news
Providing guidance and clarification to crane operators, hirers and construction firms in his role as industry regulator, Jamie is a regular contributor to the Institution’s annual Crane Safety seminar, now in its sixth year in 2021.
Ahead of his presentation this year, which focuses on best practice for mobile cranes, Jamie is keen to emphasise the importance of good, thorough planning.
What are the main challenges facing the industry at the moment?
Jamie Davies (JD): The main challenges for the industry from my perspective is to reduce the risk associated with lifting operations with proper planning of its lifting operations and associated activities.
How have you been affected by Brexit in your operations?
JD: As I work in the UK only, Brexit has had minimal impact on health and safety regulation. Any changes that are going to happen will be around standards and if the UK deviates from EU norms, which is unlikely in the short term and any deviation would tend to influence EU norms if they affect safety.
What are your top tips when tackling a new lifting challenge?
JD: Plan effectively; don’t assume a current plan will fit the task and make sure it addresses all the hazards and risks, think before you lift, If in any doubt discuss with your peers or rethink and re-plan.
What are your top tips for everyday lifts?
JD: Same as the above really, but more so on thinking before you lift. At the end of the day, this is because many incidents involve a simple lift from here to there and as it has either not been planned or thought through properly, that is when mistakes or incorrect assumptions are made.
What developments in the crane industry either technology or techniques, are you most interested in for the future and why?
JD: Automation and sensing, as inevitably these can be shown to work consistently should increase safety, reduce collisions and prevent damage to buildings and equipment. Anything that reduces human interaction with heavy loads can only be a good thing in my view. We aren’t there yet!
Why is it important for engineers to join this year’s Crane Safety seminar?
JD: If you are involved with planning, designing or using cranes then this is the place to gain knowledge, network and form new relationships.
Crane Safety 2021 returns as a live, online seminar on 8 September 2021.
Bringing together industry regulators (Health and Safety Executive, Office for Nuclear Regulation), government bodies (BEIS), member organisations (LEEA), manufacturers (Liebherr) plus crane operators and hire companies, don't miss your chance to hear all the latest updates affecting safe and efficient crane operation in one day.
For full details and to book your place please visit the event website.