Institution news
Oliver will be sharing his experience at the IMechE's Crane Safety event in October, for the full agenda and to book your place please visit the event website.
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to the Lifting and Crane industry and this event?
Oliver Linton (OL): I began my career in the industry as an Engineering Intern at Mammoet during my degree studies. Upon graduating university, I started as a Graduate Engineer for Multiplex Construction in London working in the Tower Crane division, eventually becoming an Appointed Person and Lifting Engineer working on several major high rise and super prime residential projects. After 5 years working in London I moved back to the North East and returned to Mammoet as and Engineer and Appointed Person In the Crane Hire team. My roles have involved advising and providing lifting and transport solutions to internal project teams and external clients ensuring the safest most efficient solutions are selected and executed.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
OL: I think recruitment and training of new Engineers / AP’s has shown to be a challenge for a lot of companies in the industry. The industry is top-heavy in terms of experience. The gap needs to be bridged with fresh perspectives to further advance innovation and use of other technology in the industry.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
OL: I am looking forward to seeing how AI is and can be used for lift planning. Also understanding the risks with crane hire and managing accountability I think is an important topic.
What would you say are the areas of innovation across the UK lifting and crane industry?
OL: for me, some of the key areas are:
- Using AI to assist with lift planning.
- Efficient and practical ground loading distribution methods.
- Development of more compact higher capacity cranes and lifting methods.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
OL: Improving Competency and Managing Human Factors, I would like to know more about this subject as I begin my journey from a technical role as an Engineer in the industry towards being a manager. I am also interested in “Using AI to plan for lifting operations”
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
It’s important for not just engineers but anyone involved and working in the lifting industry to join. I think the sharing of knowledge and experiences in past conferences has been informative and can help with working towards a common way of working in the industry. It also provokes self-reflection of my own role and contribution to the industry which also encourages innovation and new ways of thinking.
This year's Crane Safety technical event will return to One Birdcage Walk on 15 October 2024
Now in its eighth iteration, the event addresses the key challenges of safety, risk and compliance to inform and support all those involved in lifting projects.
Join to meet and hear from Health & Safety Executive, Liftra, Align JV, Metswift, Mamoet, Sir Robert McAlpine, Terex Cranes, and more; for the full agenda and to book your place please visit the event website.
Plus: access all the presentations at the co-located Sustainable and Decarbonised Construction event, taking place at the same time. Bring your colleagues and maximise the learning and networking at our technical events.