Q3 2021

JIB SAFETY

Safely erecting, using and

removing fly jib extensions
 Thanks to this edition’s contributors

CALL Are you an aspiring author? Are you passionate

about the safety of your workmates? Do you

FOR have an idea for improving safety or efficiency in

your workplace? We want to hear from you.

CONTENT Contribute to Lifting Matters’ vision of a

safer industry by submitting your ideas and
articles to [email protected].

We are seeking stories about recurring incidents,

significant incidents, ideas about safer and more
efficient ways of working, any prevalent issues, good
reminders, anything of a safety related nature.

You can submit a full article, anywhere from 200 to

1000 words, or you can send us ideas about what you
would like to hear us discuss in future issues of Lifting
Matters. If you’re from a business, we will mention you
as a supporter and publish your logo at no cost to you.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

2 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

 MISSED AN ISSUE?

Current and previous issues are all available

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From the Editor
Q3, July - September, 2021

Welcome to the Q3 2021 edition of Lifting Please get in touch with us! You can
Matters. visit us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or
This edition we focus on safely erecting, drop us an email any time. If you have
using and removing fly jib extensions. an incident report, ideas about safer
CICA walk us through the industry best and more efficient ways of working,
practice of jib extension attachment and widespread issues, valuable reminders,
removal; and we bring you a Training or anything else safety related, we want
Toolbox on how to erect and stow a to hear from you. We look forward to
bi-fold boom extension. This edition working together to protect our people
highlights multiple incidents where and save lives in the crane industry. Any
jib safety has been compromised, at contributions for our next edition are
times with fatal consequences, due to due by Friday 10 December 2021.
equipment failure and human error. If you prefer printed glossy copies
We speak with Jack Burling about his for your crane cabs, cribs, mess hall,
experiences in our Operator’s Opinion, or reception, please send your postal
and profile Patrick Silver, Project and address and the number of copies you
Heavy Lift Manager at Universal Cranes. require to [email protected].
You can also read about Slew SafeTM, an Lifting Matters is available to view at
industry innovation turning the corner www.liftingmatters.com.au or you can
on pick and carry crane operator safety. subscribe to receive an email copy each
quarter.
It’s as important now, as it has ever
been, to check in with one another – Stay safe and see you next edition!
that’s why we’re supporting Workplace
Health and Safety QLD’s Safe Work
Month and Mental Health Week 2021. Thank you
Take a look at their upcoming events;
DASHELLE BAILEY, EDITOR
read the latest MATES in Construction
[email protected]
article; and make it a priority to check in
with your family, friends, and colleagues.

4 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Contents

EDITORIAL 4

FEATURE ARTICLE
Industry Best Practice of Jib Extension Attachment and Removal 6

INCIDENT REVIEW
Jamestown, South Australia 10
Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida 13

INCIDENT GALLERY
Christchurch, New Zealand 16
Charlottesville, Virginia 17
Brooklyn, New York 18
Liverpool, England 18
New York, New York 19

TRAINING TOOLBOX
Erecting and Stowing the Bi-Fold Boom Extension 20

INDUSTRY INNOVATION
Slew Safe™ Safety Feature Preventing Crane Rollovers 24

OPERATOR’S OPINION
Jack Burling 28

PEOPLE PROFILE
Patrick Silver 30

HEALTH & WELLBEING

MATES in Construction 32
Safe Work Month and Mental Health Week 2021 33
Feature Article

Industry Best Practice of Jib Extension

Attachment and Removal
Article contributed by CICA

Crane operators are often ladder or work platform is required. It is important

required to rig the crane with to ensure that a secure and footed ladder is utilised. If
a fly jib extension to meet site walking on top of the main boom, ensure the correct
requirements. The primary harness is used and fits correctly. Make sure the type
purpose of using a fly jib is to of lanyard will provide fall arrest before contact with
extend the working height of the the ground.
main boom; a secondary purpose
is to increase radius to move As shown on this Tadano GR-800EX-2, there are many
around an obstacle. Like most components to install and secure the jib both while it
crane operating tasks, there are is stowed and when in use.
risks involved in installing and
operating the crane fly jib, so
safety is paramount.

To install and use the crane fly jib

it is important to always refer to
the manufacturer’s instructions.
The prescribed sequence of fly jib
installation is important to follow,
and it will vary between crane
models.

The safety of the operator and

crew should always be front of
mind. Falls from heights is still
the number one workplace injury
in the construction sector. Fly jibs
can often be done near ground
level, but just out of reach, so a
Tadano GR-800EX-2

6 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Feature Article

The manufacturer’s recommended steps to install or remove the

fly jib from a crane should be followed, but swing away fly jibs
have these common steps:

1. Set up the crane’s outriggers and level the crane.

If the hoist rope that you will be using for the fly

2.
jib is already on the main boom, pay out enough
rope to install on the fly jib before disconnecting
the rope from the boom head.

3.
The main boom should be set to manufacturer’s
specifications for angle and extension.

4.
Unpin the fly jib stowage pins and attach the pivot
point of the fly jib to the main boom head.

Stay clear of the swing area of the fly jib by using

5. a tag line and ensure no other obstacles will be
contacted when the fly jib is swung into position.
The wire rope

6.
Swing the fly jib into position and attach the can act like a saw
connecting pin to the other side of the boom head. blade on boom
sections or laces if
Place the wire rope correctly over the sheaves
7. and ensure all guide pins and retaining clips are
reinstalled.
reeved improperly.

8.
Reconnect all electronic sensors including moving
the anemometer from the main boom to the fly.

9.
The boom may have to be raised to a certain angle
before the hook block is lifted off the ground.

10.
Check the Anti-2 block sensor on the fly jib is
working.

Ensure the RCI is programmed to the correct

11. fly jib configuration and angle before lifting
commences.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 7

Feature Article

Stowing a HTC fly jib

It is important that the reeving of the wire can rotate freely when the connecting pin
rope is correct, to be sure it is retained by is released. Once the fly jib is secured the
the guide pins and that retaining clips are crane can travel to the next job.
secure on the guide pins. The wire rope can
act like a saw blade on boom sections or Underslung fly jibs follow a similar
laces if reeved improperly. procedure, but do not have the main
boom horizontal during installation and
When disassembling the fly jib ensure that disassembly. The hoist rope is used with
the boom is retracted to the position so luffing up of the main boom to unfold the
it can be stowed correctly on the support fly jib and bring it into position. Once it is
ramp and aligns with the stowage pins. in position, the fly jib angle is set.

Do not stand under the jib or on the side These steps apply to boom mounted fly jibs
of the jib in the area it will pivot, as the jib on All Terrain, Hydraulic Truck Crane and

8 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Feature Article

When disassembling the fly jib ensure that

the boom is retracted to the position so
it can be stowed correctly on the support
ramp and aligns with the stowage pins.

Rough Terrain cranes. This brief overview position is that this activity does not need
is an oversimplification for fly jibs that are to be completed by an intermediate rigger
installed on large capacity hydraulic or but needs to be completed under the
lattice boom cranes. guidance of the crane operator following
the manufacturer’s recommendations in
CICA Position Paper, CICA-PA-0005-A, the operation manual. CICA Members have
discusses who can assist the crane operator access to all guidance notes and position
when changing the reeving arrangement or papers, go to www.cica.com.au to learn
installing a fly jib. Some WHS regulators more about CICA membership.
interpret the Intermediate Rigger HRWL
definition to include the installation of
swing away and underslung fly jibs as
rigging and derigging the crane. CICA’s

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 9

Incident Report

February 2007
Jamestown, South Australia

Project: Wind Turbine Installation

Cranes: Liebherr LG-1550 with 63m main boom and 28m luffing fly

Significant property damage including carousel, nitrogen

The Outcome: cylinder, main assembly lattice section, and pennant rods.
No injuries.

The primary cause of

the incident was luffing
the fly down too far.

Damage to strut

Masts have rotated over causing damage

10 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Incident Report

Initial damage to the carousal when

Damaged lacings lowering the boom to the ground

In February 2007, a Liebherr LG-1550 The Supervisor instructed the Operator to

with 63m main boom and 28m luffing fly was lift and place the hook and lay the boom for
being used for a turbine installation project the night. The Operator started to lower
near Jamestown, South Australia. the luffing fly (so as to a-frame the boom
before lowering to the ground), when the
Due to inclement weather and safety
Supervisor observed that the luffing fly
concerns, the boom of the crane was unable
was heading forward beyond the point of
to be raised for work throughout the day.
stability. As the Supervisor hurried to radio
A decision was made late afternoon to
the Operator, the A-frame of the carousel fell
recommence work at 0200 the following
forward over centre and collapsed onto the
day. Shortly after this decision, a break in
luffing fly, causing extensive damage.
the wind provided an opportunity to lift the
boom and reeve the hook in preparation for The primary cause of the incident was luffing
the night’s work. the fly down too far. Contributing factors also
included fatigue from working in difficult
The boom was lifted to around 25º and
weather conditions (with little to no shelter
the luffing fly lowered in order to reeve
from the heat and wind) and under pressure
the hook. The hook was reeved and it was
due to a pending two AM start.
observed that the rope had jammed. The
boom was then lowered again in order to
rectify the rope.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 11

Incident Report

Damage to guy rods

Key learnings from this incident

All personnel to read and understand the operations manual,

including the specific configuration required for the setup. Have a
secondary party check for compliance to machine requirements,
and use a tick sheet for final checks on configuration.

Compose individual Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for

all configurations of machine to ensure all checks and special
operations are observed.

Maintain clear communications, and have second/third party

guide crane movements to ensure safety at all times.

An awareness of personnel’s health and wellbeing is advantageous

especially when working in arduous conditions

12 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Incident Report

September 2017
Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Tower top and counterjib after the incident Tower top and counterjib after the incident
at the first failure site at the second failure site

Project: Multiple building sites

Cranes: Three x SK-315 cranes

The Outcome: Property Damage

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit remained intact. The cause of the failure was
the west coast of Florida, USA. The tropical the same in all three cases: the detachment
storm conditions across Miami and Fort of the crane jib from its turntable due
Lauderdale caused the collapse of three to turbulent wind loads. Once the jib
SK-315 hammerhead tower cranes that started falling, the two jib pendants were
had been put out of service and allowed to released. The forces on the tower top apex
weathervane. from the jib pendants decreased from the
maximum to zero in a short amount of time.
In all three crane failures, only the jibs,
The two tower top columns toward the
counterjibs, and the tower top collapsed.
counterjib failed because of the transient
The crane masts, ties and foundations
load change on the tower top.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 13

Incident Report

Thankfully no one was injured due to construction

being at a standstill and residents either evacuated
or taking shelter from the hurricane. There was
also limited damage to the construction sites.
In the first failure in Miami, the crane had a 180ft
jib, 64ft counterjib, and 39 kilopounds (kips)
counterweight. All five concrete blocks of the
counterweight hit the interior of a 33- storey
apartment building, damaging the already-
completed floor slab. The second crane failure
was located a couple of miles away, involving a
a) Jib jumped off the left SK-315 with a 147ft jib, 64ft counterjib, and 32kips
bearing connection counterweight. All four counterweight pieces fell
on the street below piercing the pavement. The
third failure was located at a construction site in
Fort Lauderdale, approximately 35 miles north of
Miami. The crane lost its counterweight but no
b) Upward
damage was reported.
turbulence It is important to note there were over two dozen
wind detected other cranes in the Miami area alone that did
right after not collapse, including a fourth SK-315 that was
counterweight
positioned at a lower height and protected by tall
blocks hit the
building
structures.

Upward turbulence wind detected when

the crane collapsed at the first failure site
(Courtesy of Mr. Nick Tangredi)

Jib foot bearing connections – jib side (the first failure)

Collapsed crane after the incident

at the third failure site Aerial view of the second failure site – looking east

14 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Incident Report

Recommendations from this incident

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were initially called

to site to provide technical assistance in the safe dismantling of the cranes.
However, the failure of three SK-315 cranes in a similar manner prompted OSHA
to launch an investigation, based on suspicions there were potential deficiencies
in this particular crane model.

The following includes the recommendations from the investigation conducted

by structural engineers from the Office of Engineering Services (in OSHA’s
Directorate of Construction), with input and cooperation from the manufacturer
and owner of the cranes:

On coastal areas with tall buildings and locations prone to frequent turbulent
winds, local governing bodies should consider asking engineers to conduct
simulations based on dynamic analysis to get a more realistic wind evaluation
than quasi-static analysis. Instead of conducting cost-prohibitive wind tunnel
tests, engineers could conduct a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
analysis, which has become affordable due to the rapid advance of software
and computing technology.

Terex, the crane manufacturer, should evaluate the design of jib-to-

turntable connections to prevent possible detachment of crane jibs in high
turbulent wind in the future.

To prevent catastrophic collapses of the crane tower top in the future, it

is recommended that tower tops be evaluated and designed with a higher
safety margin, and the design should also be based with loads applied from
only the counterjb.

The jibs in all three cranes were suspended by single pendants. In the event that
the jib begins to sway to the sides, the single pendants could not be expected to
secure the stability of the jib. It is, therefore, recommended that two symmetric
pendants or cables be considered in the design of the tower cranes. Terex should
consider adding pendants to the existing SK- 315 models.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 15

Incident Gallery

Incident Gallery

April 2021
Christchurch,
New Zealand

OUTCOME:
CRUSH INJURY

In early 2021, a Grove GMK-5130-2 with 28.5t

counterweight complete with a 3.6m heavy duty ISS
panel jib was being used to rotate and place concrete
panels on a site in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Operator started the process by removing the

ancillary hook and rooster sheave. He then raised the
deflection sheave, before slowly releasing the safety
mechanism of the front connection. However, the
Operating Instructions Lattice Extension for Grove
was not referred to during the operation, resulting in
several steps of the process being skipped. These steps
included releasing the rear connection, swinging the
ISS on to the main boom head, and pinning it to the
right-hand side, before releasing the front connection.

Missing these steps resulted in the 825kg jib falling and

crushing the operator against the top rail of the EWP.

16 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Incident Gallery

January 2019
Charlottesville, Virginia

OUTCOME:
INJURY AND
BUILDING DAMAGE

NBC29 News

A crane partially collapsed at

a building site in Charlottesville,
Virginia, in January 2020, injuring a
construction worker.

The Manitowoc’s luffing jib came

down on the 4th and 5th floors of a
new office block under construction.
Whilst the crane operator was NBC29 News
uninjured on the ground level, a
construction worker on the upper
floors of the building suffered a
compound fracture to his leg.

Emergency services were called in

to rescue to worker. He was lowered
to ground floor using a tower ladder
truck, before being transported to NBC29 News
the University of Virginia Medical
Center with non life-threatening
injuries.

It is thought the jib pendant cables

or retaining pins failed, allowing the
jib to drop, however Occupational
Safety and Health Administration
were working with the construction
company to investigate the cause of WRAL News
the incident.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 17

Incident Gallery

February 2021
Brooklyn, New York

OUTCOME:
NEAR MISS

NY Post

The jib of a Potain luffing tower crane when the crane's boom experienced a
dropped in February 2021 due to a failed partial collapse.” It is estimated the portion
luffing mechanism. The crane was located of the crane that collapsed measured 175
at the site of a 31-storey luxury high-rise feet (approx. 53m).
development in Brooklyn, New York.
The jib was facing away from the building
According to the New York’s Department when it collapsed against itself, causing
of Buildings preliminary investigation, no damage to the tower construction
“technicians were on site performing project. Thankfully there were no injuries
maintenance work on the tower crane to workers or passersby.

In November 1998, a crane hire company was

November 1998 lifting telecommunications equipment from a
ground level car park to the 12th floor of the Royal
Liverpool, England Liverpool University Hospital using a Demag
AC-755.

OUTCOME: The crane had been working on its main boom with
a fixed fly jib extension. A second crane was being
FATALITY
used to add an extra 6m lattice section of fixed fly jib
to the tip of the telescopic boom when the incident
occurred. As the existing fixed fly jib configuration
was dismantled and pins were removed, two boom
sections – weighing 2.4t and 1.6t – collapsed.

One of the lattice structures struck the 27-year-old

operator as it fell. Medical personnel tended to the
operator at the scene, however he later succumbed
BBC News UK
to multiple chest and abdominal crush injuries.

18 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Incident Gallery

February 2016
New York, New York

OUTCOME:
FATALITY AND
MULTIPLE INJURIES

A Liebherr LR-1300 crawler crane collapsed

in New York in February 2016, resulting in a
fatality and multiple injuries. It had been
positioned to replace generators and cooling
towers on the roof of a 25-storey building.

Due to inclement weather conditions (high

winds and snow), it was decided to lay down the
371ft luffing jib and 194ft boom. With the boom
Boom and jib on the ground after the incident
angle at 69.4° (less than the manufacturer’s – street view
recommended 75°) and the luffing jib at 45°, the
Operator began to lower the crane. The wind
increased, flipping the boom and jib towards
the ground, overturning the crane at 180o.

As it collapsed, the jib head hit several buildings

causing damage. The boom of the crane fell
onto a motorist’s parked car resulting in a
fatality of the owner standing nearby, and
injuries to two others in nearby vehicles. The
crane operator sustained minor injuries. Jib head section after the incident – aerial view
An investigation into the incident by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OHSA) found “the crane tipped over or
overturned as it failed to remain stable under a
decreasing boom angle and increasing wind”. It
was also found that the crane hirer was aware of
impending weather conditions the day before
the incident but did not take preventative
action to stow/park the crane overnight.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 19

Training Toolbox

Erecting and Stowing the Bi-Fold

Boom Extension
Article contributed by SMITHBRIDGE GUAM

Operators at Smithbridge Guam training in erecting boom extensions had

recently undertook hands-on training in resulted in an injury and/or delays on site.
the safe erection and stowing of a bi-fold Smithbridge Guam made it a priority to
boom extension. It became imperative to deliver a Training Toolbox with practical
ensure the team was adequately trained as application to their crew so they would
the fleet currently has several cranes with be familiar with the operator’s manual
fly attachments including a Grove RT760, and correct sequence procedures, prior to
GMK4080, MK5130, and GMK5275. working on any related jobs, to improve
safety and service outcomes.
Incidents had occurred elsewhere in the
Smithbridge Group where inadequate

20 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Training Toolbox

MAIN STEPS

ERECTING CAUTION DANGER

ERECTING

1. Fully extend and set the outriggers

2. Position the boom over the front

3.
If extended, fully retract all the boom section (0° boom or it will run away
when it swings)

4.
Lower the boom to minimum elevation to permit ease of installation of pins
and access to the boom nose

5.
Rig either the main hoist or optional auxiliary hoist cable for single part line
with nothing but the wedge socket on the end of the cable.

6. Extend the boom enough to disengage the spring loaded boom stop block

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 21

Training Toolbox

7.
Pull down on the rubber hook to disengage the spring loaded boom stop block.
Place the end of the rubber jook in the retainer plate. Fully retract the boom.

Remove the retainer clips from the attachment pins stowed in the base of the

8.
boom extension and insert the attachment pins through the attachment and
anchor fittings on the right side of the boom nose. Install the retainer clips in
the attachment pins.

9.
Remove the retainer clip from base to fly attachment pin and remove
attachment pin from base section to fly section attachment fittings.

10. Stow the pin in the opposite attach fitting or the stowage lug.

11.
Ensure the pin attaching the fly section to the boom base section rear
stowage bracket is in place.

12.
At fly section sheave end (see picture - E) push in on the spring loaded latch
hook to release latch, allowing the base to separate from the fly

22 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Training Toolbox

CAUTION

Raise the boom to horizontal and extend the boom just enough to clear the
1. extension stowage lugs from the guide ramps and stowage pins on the front
and rear stowage brackets.

Remove the hitch pin and clip pin securing the boom extension alignment
2. device in the stowed position. Pull the push bar assembly out to the working
position and secure it in place with the hitch pin and clip pin.

DANGER

1.
When erecting the boom extension, ensure that all personnel and equipment
are kept clear of the swing path.
Slightly raise and/or lower the boom to help control the extension. Using

2.
the rope attached to the tip of the extension, swing the extension into place
ahead of the boom nose, engaging the anchor fittings with the attachment
fittings on the left side of the boom nose.

3.
Install the attachment pin into the upper anchor and attachment fitting on
the left side of the boom nose. Install retainer clip in attachment pin.
If the boom extension alignment device does not properly align the anchor
4. and attachment fittings to allow installation of the last attachment pin, refer
to the Service Manual and adjust the boom extension alignment device.
Fully retract the boom until the bottom extension anchor fittings is against

5.
the boom extension alignment device and install the attachment pin in the
lower anchor and attachment fittings on the left side of the boom nose,
install the retainer clip in the attachment pin.

6. Lower the boom and remove the rope from the tip of the extension base section.

Remove the hitch pin and clip pin securing the boom extension alignment
7. device in the working position. Push the push bar assembly back to the
stowed position and secure it in place with the hitch pin and clip pin.

8. Rig the hoist cable.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 23

Industry Innovation

Slew Safe™ Safety Feature

Preventing Crane Rollovers

Slew Safe™, developed by TRT, is a significant new pick

and carry safety feature. It is designed to minimise the risk of
a crane rollover when the crane is lifting on uneven surfaces.

Background
The 2015 paper by RMIT, Causes of Fatal
Since their inception in 1980, articulated Accidents Involving Cranes in the Australian
pick and carry cranes have become a staple Construction Industry, stated 9% of all crane
part of operations across a wide range of incidents in 2001-2013 were caused by plant
industries. With unique characteristics overturning. This figure has recently been
differentiating pick and carries from slewing reported as 6% for Q1 2020 alone, according
cranes, careful consideration needs to be to data compiled in a collaboration between
given for their safe use (CICA). CICA and WorkSafe.

24 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Industry Innovation

WorkSafe has attended many incidents where articulated mobile cranes

have overturned.

Contributing factors include:

•
Operating on surfaces that cannot support the weight of the crane
and suspended load

•
failure to derate the crane's lifting capacity as per manufacturer's
requirements

• excessive boom angle and boom extension

• uncontrolled load sway (pendulum motion)

• moving up, down or across a slope

•
changing direction (articulating) or manoeuvring around
obstructions

• excessive speed, and

• under-inflated tyres.

Risk increases significantly if more than one of the above factors is present.

Overturning articulated mobile cranes can expose the operator, dogman,

rigging crews and others to the risk of death or serious injury.

The lifting capacity of cranes is reduced when traversing slopes or changing

direction, failing to derate the crane may result in the crane overturning.

WorkSafe Victoria: Prevent pick and carry cranes from overturning

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 25

Industry Innovation

Nearly 75-80% of pick and carry cranes may result in an incident, TRT instigated
currently operating in Australia can pick up the development of Slew Safe as a leading
a load over the front on firm level ground, safety-system to minimise crane rollovers.
slew through many charts, and drive across
various side slopes and terrain without any Slew Safe was designed to save lives and
de-rating for pitch and roll. This results in improve driver safety when operating TIDD
the crane becoming unstable and increases PC28 cranes. It is now a standard safety
the potential for an accident, without feature on all new TIDD PC28’s and it is able
any warning to the operator or other to be retrofitted onto all TIDD PC25's.
stakeholders nearby.
How Slew Safe Works
Of the 4,000 pick and carry cranes currently
When the crane is operated in the GREEN
operating in Australia, only the machines
and AMBER areas of the lifting chart, Slew
manufactured after 2013 or having had
Safe will remain inactive. When the crane in
Dynamic LMI’s subsequently fitted, provide
operation moves from green and amber to
operator alarms when operating on side
RED, this is an overload notification based
slopes, meaning all others can easily go off
on the lifting chart which will activate Slew
the chart without any warning to the crane
Safe.
operator.
Once Slew Safe is activated it will do the
Solution following:
As the manufacturer of the TIDD Crane,
TRT’s primary focus has been safety, from • Show a visible warning on the ECU
the first prototype of the PC25 in March 2014
to the newer PC28 launched in May 2019. Reduce the speed of the power
• steering to 15% in the unsafe
direction
It was recognised there was growing
concern in the construction and Makes steering harder with instant
infrastructure sectors towards
the number of incidents – often
• feedback through the steering
wheel to operator
unpublished – involving articulating
•
The engine will “load up” making an
cranes causing serious harm to people. audible sound change for operator

Constant audible alarm both inside

•
Although newer pick and carries are built
and outside the cabin to warn the
with a number of safety features that aim
operator and dogman of overload
to limit or even prevent the operator from
putting the machine in a position that

26 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Industry Innovation

Slew Safe activation shown on the TIDD Crane ECU

In addition, the inbuilt LMI restricts operation in the unsafe

direction allowing the operator to reconfigure the load or put
the load down, causing them think about how to do it safely
or do it another way (visually tracks and states on indicator
66% and 75% charts). This system cannot be overridden and
will help prevent crane rollovers from occurring on sites
across Australia.

“Working with Tier One clients, we are obviously aware of the focus
on Pick and Carries in general and the concerns around their safety
specifically. One of the biggest drivers around the TIDD purchase is
the fact that you can take the machine to Tier One customers and
demonstrate the risk mitigation features of the PC28”.
- Michael Yates, Crew NSW

Slew Safe delivers the operational features customers want

with significant new safety innovations. It is innovation
where it matters, for both operator and site safety.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 27

Operator’s Opinion

Operator’s
Opinion
Jack Burling

JACK BURLING
LIFTING CONSULTANT
– AUCKLAND CRANES

Jack Burling is a second-generation crane operator, holding a NZ national

certificate for mobile cranes for 11 years. He currently works as a Lifting
Consultant for Auckland Cranes. Jack shares with us his experiences around jib
incidents and what can be done to maximise safety.

Jack, how did you come to be in Given your experience, have you
your current role? Perhaps you personally been involved in any
could you give us a summary of your incidents involving crane jibs / jib
professional journey so far… extensions?

I started on the ground with a crane crew I have - the Operator telescoped out with
on the west coast of New Zealand’s South the computer in fly erection mode. The
Island (Holcim Cement Works). I never auxiliary hook became jammed against the
looked back, slowly working my way from fly head sheave (applicable to this model
the man cage to the seat in the crane. I as this was the procedure for releasing
obtained national certification along the pendant bars to change fly jib rake angle).
way, and all the associated heavy traffic The Operator was under the impression
licences. When family responsibilities they were winching down, and unaware
increased, I was happy to move my feet that they were actually telescoping out.
under the desk and work as a Lifting Before anyone could call a stop to the
Consultant for Auckland Cranes. proceedings, the Operator had pulled the

28 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Operator’s Opinion

I believe clear constant communication

is the key to safe crane operations.

auxiliary hook through the fly head sheave

and over the top. Thankfully no-one was
injured, however there was substantial
damage to the crane’s fly jib head sheave.

What learnings did you take from

that experience?

I think the biggest learning was to

always ensure the ground crew have
radio communications with the Crane
Operator whilst installing/detaching jibs,
otherwise they have no way of stopping any
unintentional movements or jib damage.
I believe clear constant communication is
the key to safe crane operations.

We agree that’s crucial! Apart from

a lack of communication, what is the
most common action or behaviour
you witness in the field that leads
to operators becoming involved in
unsafe situations? And, how do you
think we can fix it?

Failure to read and understand the Operator’s

manual associated with the machine being
operated. Every machine is different, no
matter how many we have operated. Unsafe
situations occur when someone assumes
to know what they’re doing without the
proper information. Training for new
machines and unfamiliar equipment is so
important to undertake, including reading
and understanding the manual!

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 29

People Profile

People Profile
Patrick Silver

Patrick Silver joined the Universal Cranes

family in 2017 in the lift engineering team,
after spending two years at Smithbridge on
projects in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

We caught up with Patrick to find out why

health and safety matters to him, and how he
thinks an effective safety culture can be built.
Patrick Silver
Project and Heavy
Lift Manager
Universal Cranes

Thanks for taking the time to chat

with us Patrick! Can you give us
a summary of your professional
My role is to ensure safe crane operation and
journey so far?
rigging practices. This is achieved through
I started my professional career working as the preparation and review of in-depth lift
a site-based engineer. My first project was studies and by always maintaining solid
the construction of Daunia Coal Mine in communication with our crews.
Moranbah where my team was responsible
for the project’s bridges and culverts. After What do you think is the most
finishing up in the in the Bowen Basin, I important issue in crane safety today?
worked in various site engineering and
construction management roles across As crane technology continues to develop,
QLD, NSW, and Papua New Guinea. I think complacency is one of the key
issues facing our industry. Due to the
Since joining the engineering team at nature of mobile and crawler crane work,
Universal Cranes, I’ve been responsible for crews are constantly operating in different
the preparation of lift studies and plans, environments, each with their own set of
design of specialised rigging, method risks and hazards (e.g. ground conditions,
planning, preparation of technical reports, overhead and underground services etc.). It
tendering, site inspections, and monitoring is crucial to maintain vigilance and attention
and supervision of complex and heavy lifts. to the task at hand, no matter how routine.

30 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

People Profile

We absolutely agree! What

do you think is the key to an
effective safety culture and
how do you help build that
culture?

I believe it is important that

employees of all levels be
consulted and included in the
planning and review of safety
systems and initiatives. I also
think there should be emphasis
on promoting a positive safety
culture; celebrating a safe act or
observation.

Positive reinforcement
and responsibility at all
levels certainly helps foster
that culture. What keeps
you motivated in your
role from day-to-day?

To put it simply, my motivation

is to make sure everyone gets
home safe at the end of the day.
It can be easy to get caught up
in large projects and pressing
deadlines, but the safety of
our crew is always the most
important aspect of a lift.

It is crucial to maintain vigilance

and attention to the task at
hand, no matter how routine.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 31

Health & Wellbeing

MATES in Construction
Article republished with permission from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

MATES in Construction targets suicide “We know that each year more than 195
prevention in the construction, energy and construction workers in Australia die by
mining industries – and the not for profit suicide and many more are permanently
organisation’s efforts have been recognised incapacitated following suicide attempts.
by the World Health Organisation. Construction workers are six times more
MATES has been helping workers for likely to die by suicide than an accident at
more than 13 years and recently reached work.
a milestone as it clocked up 200,000 “A five-year review of MATES conducted
workers provided with general awareness in 2016 showed that suicide rates in the
training. That figure has now grown to industry had fallen by almost 8 per cent after
more than 230,000, as well as 21,000 the introduction of MATES in Construction.
people CONNECTOR trained and nearly
“We are unbelievably proud that the
11,000 cases managed, which has helped
World Health Organisation chose a small
the program to be recognised on the
Australian program such as MATES to
international stage.
demonstrate what can be achieved in suicide
A World Health Organisation guide details prevention by engaging worksites.”
six key pillars to nation-based suicide
prevention and showcases MATES in
Construction as an example of world’s best MATES also has information on the
practice in multisectoral capacity building. mental health issues raised by COVID,
MATES in Construction acting CEO John including tips for coping with stress
Brady said LIVE LIFE: An Implementation and resources for work sites.
Guide for Suicide Prevention in Countries
outlines a range of practical tips and
The Queensland Government supports
considerations to support effective
MATES in Construction by providing $1
whole-of-society responses that enhance
million annually to fund suicide prevention
community resilience.
services in the construction industry, and
“When MATES started in 2008, suicide was regional Queensland and small business,
seen almost entirely as a health problem with an emphasis on young construction
requiring health responses. Programs such workers. In July 2020, the Queensland
as MATES have shown that we achieve Government renewed its commitment to
much more when we engage all of the MATES by signing an agreement to provide
community,” Mr Brady said. $1 million per annum from 2020 to 2025.

For more information, visit: https://mates.org.au/construction/

32 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Health & Wellbeing

Safe Work Month and Mental Health

Week 2021
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Safe Work Month and Mental Health Week raise community and industry awareness
about the importance of work health and safety, and the benefits of mentally healthy
workplaces. Everyone has the right to come home safe and healthy at the end of each
working day.

Upcoming Events:
You'll find out:
• how a healthy diet can keep you full and energised
for your workday as well as providing you with many
long-term health benefits

October 1 • tips to make your home electrically safe to help

protect your family and loved ones
Safe Work • how other businesses have made positive health and
Month Launch safety improvements at their workplace.
9am Our launch event features guest appearances from
Queensland’s Safety Ambassador Shane Webcke,
Everyday Gourmet and MasterChef star Justine Schofield,
representatives from the Queensland Country Women’s
Association, the Electrical Safety Office, and our Safety
Advocate Garry Nichols.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 33

Health & Wellbeing

In an age of highly competitive and often volatile markets,

the role of safety leader is constantly evolving. The push
to achieve more with less, while maintaining a social and
ethical licence to operate, places an increased expectation
on leaders to get the most from their people in a safe
and sustainable way. Throw in the added complexity of
generational differences, an aging workforce, the need for
total worker health, changing work environments and an
organisation’s cultural maturity, and it becomes clear that
October 6 there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to leading for safety.
And, as you’ll hear from Dom, safety leadership isn’t
The evolving role of just about you as a leader, but also the person you are
safety leaders leading, their skills and willingness to engage, and the
situation they find themselves in. So, how do leaders not
9.30 - 10.30am only embrace, but also set themselves up for success in a
landscape that is constantly changing?
In this interactive and engaging session, you will:
• understand the multiple roles expected of today’s
safety leader
• explore how to adapt leadership strategies to
different levels of safety culture maturity
• identify different safety leadership strategies for
different individual employee variables in the
workplace, including managing expectations both up
and down the line.

The Mental Health Forum is an opportunity to hear from

industry experts as we discuss how we can promote,
prevent, intervene early and support recovery when it
comes to mentally healthy workplaces.
October 11
While building a mentally healthy workplace makes good
Mental Health business sense, controlling psychological health and safety
risks is also a legislative requirement. Attending the forum
Forum 2021 is a great opportunity to demonstrate your commitment
8.00am – 4.45pm to building a mentally healthy workplace, nurture
your teams’ capabilities and professional development
opportunities, and improve your organisational awareness
of psychological health and safety and the importance of
early intervention.

34 LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021

Health & Wellbeing

October 14
In this highly interactive workshop, Dr Fisher provides
Creating mentally practical tips on reframing how we define accomplishment
safe workplaces beyond the performance appraisal and builds your
understanding of the importance of belongingness and
Strategies for promoting
mental wellbeing accomplishment as mental health fundamentals - and the
role it plays in mentally healthy workplaces.
1.00 - 2.30pm

October 18 The Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference is

back - bigger and better than ever. This year's program is
Injury Prevention jam-packed with expert presenters who will discuss, analyse,
and Return to Work and give their perspectives on key injury prevention and
Conference return to work topics. Don't miss out on your opportunity
to connect with business leaders, work health and safety and
8.30am – 5.00pm workplace rehabilitation professionals.

LIFTING MATTERS ISSUE Q3 2021 35

Any questions?
Want to support?
Contact us!
[email protected]
www.liftingmatters.com.au

Content deadline for next issue: 10 December 2021

Next issue available: January 2022

Disclaimer – This newsletter is not an exhaustive list of all safety matters that need to be considered. Whilst care
is taken in the preparation of this material, Lifting Matters does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness
of this information and how it applies to your situation. Lifting Matters will not be responsible for any loss, dam-
age or costs incurred as a result of errors or omissions in relation to the material in our publication or for any
possible actions ensuing from information contained in our publication.

Any views or opinions represented in this publication are personal and belong solely to the author and do not
represent those of people, institutions or organisations that the publisher may or may not be associated with in
a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated.