Crane Operations Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all crane operations conducted on site, including but not limited to mobile cranes, overhead cranes, and tower cranes. It encompasses all activities related to lifting, moving, and placing loads, as well as assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of cranes. Excluded from this assessment are elevators and personnel hoists.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The methodology includes hazard identification, risk evaluation (assessing likelihood and severity), implementation of control measures based on the hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, PPE), and reassessment of risk after controls are applied.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Overloading the crane beyond its rated capacity.

Potential Consequences: Crane failure, load drop, structural damage, serious injury or fatality.

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, workers in the vicinity, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Ensure that the weight of each load to be hoisted is determined and communicated to the equipment operator and any person rigging the load.
• If the weight of a load to be lifted cannot be accurately determined, the crane or hoist to be used for the lift must have a load weight indicator or an overload prevention system.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

2. Loss of load control due to obstructed view or swinging loads.

Potential Consequences: Load striking workers or equipment, property damage, minor to serious injury.

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, workers in the vicinity

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure that a qualified signal person is used when the operator's visibility is obstructed.
• Use tag lines to control the load and prevent it from swinging.
• Implement a communication system between the operator and the signal person.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

3. Contact with power lines.

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, fire, equipment damage, serious injury or fatality.

Affected Persons: Crane operator, workers in the vicinity, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• Maintain a safe distance from power lines as specified by regulations.
• Use a spotter to monitor the crane's proximity to power lines.
• De-energize or insulate power lines near the work area.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Medium

4. Crane instability due to uneven ground or inadequate support.

Potential Consequences: Crane tipping over, load drop, equipment damage, serious injury or fatality.

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, workers in the vicinity

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure that the crane is set up on a stable and level surface.
• Use outriggers or stabilizers according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Conduct a site assessment to identify any underground utilities or other hazards.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

5. Failure of rigging equipment (slings, hooks, etc.).

Potential Consequences: Load drop, equipment damage, serious injury or fatality.

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Conduct thorough inspections of rigging equipment before each use.
• Remove any damaged or defective rigging equipment from service.
• Ensure that rigging equipment is properly rated for the load being lifted.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

6. Swing and shear hazards.

Potential Consequences: Struck by swinging load or crane components, crushing injuries.

Affected Persons: Workers in the vicinity

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• If a hazard is created by the swing or shearing movement of a load, cab, counter- weight or any other part of a crane or hoist, the operator of the crane or hoist must not move the equipment when a person is within range of the swing or shearing movement of the load or equipment.
• If a hazard is created by the swing or shearing movement of a load, cab, counter- weight or any other part of a crane or hoist, a person must not enter or remain within the range of the swing or shearing movement of the load or equipment.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct regular inspections of all cranes and lifting equipment to identify and address any defects or maintenance needs.

Use a checklist based on manufacturer's recommendations and regulatory requirements.

• Implement a comprehensive training program for all crane operators, riggers, and signal persons.

Training should cover crane operation, rigging techniques, signaling procedures, and emergency response.

• Ensure that all lifting operations are properly planned and supervised by competent personnel.

Lift plans should include a detailed risk assessment, identification of hazards, and implementation of appropriate control measures.

• Maintain a safe distance from power lines and other overhead obstructions.

Implement a spotter program to ensure that cranes do not encroach on power lines.

• Implement a preventative maintenance program.

Follow manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and lubrication.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Establish and communicate emergency procedures for crane-related incidents, including power line contact, crane collapse, load drops, and medical emergencies.
• Ensure that emergency contact information is readily available on site and that all personnel are aware of the procedures for reporting emergencies.
• Maintain first aid kits and ensure that personnel are trained in first aid and CPR.

7. Training Requirements

• Crane Operator Training and Certification: Crane operators must be trained and certified in the safe operation of the specific type of crane they will be using. Training must include: duties of employers and operators; protection of workers; approved standards for cranes; operation of cranes; maintenance of cranes; signalling
• Rigger Training: Riggers must be trained in proper rigging techniques, load securement, and inspection of rigging equipment.
• Signal Person Training: Signal persons must be trained in standard hand signals and communication procedures.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, and after any incident or near-miss involving crane operations

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Frequent - Periodic	Designated competent person	Regularly inspect cranes and lifting devices.
Review of Records	Daily	Supervisor	Review log books for any matters or incidents that may affect the safe operation of the lifting device
Performance Monitoring	Weekly	Safety Officer	Observe crane operations to ensure compliance with safety procedures.

9. Special Circumstances

• Crane operations near power lines require strict adherence to safe distances and the use of spotters.
• Night work requires adequate lighting and increased vigilance.
• Adverse weather conditions (high winds, ice, snow) may require suspension of crane operations.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, and after any incident or near-miss involving crane operations or when significant changes occur.

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