Lifting Operations and 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 lifting operations and crane operations conducted on site. It includes the use of cranes, hoists, and other lifting equipment for moving materials and personnel. The scope encompasses pre-lift planning, rigging, lifting procedures, and post-lift inspections. Excluded are elevators and escalators used for general building access.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The likelihood of an event occurring is assessed on a scale of Rare, Unlikely, Possible, Likely, and Almost Certain. The severity of potential consequences is rated as Negligible, Minor, Moderate, Major, and Catastrophic. The risk rating is then determined by cross-referencing likelihood and severity in the matrix. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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	High
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	High	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Unsecured Load

Potential Consequences: Dropped load causing injury to personnel, damage to equipment, or structural damage. [1] [1] [1]

Affected Persons: Workers, pedestrians, and public in the vicinity of the lifting operation.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Ensure all loads are properly rigged by a qualified rigger.
• Use hooks equipped with self-closing latches or self-locking devices.
• Pre-plan load routes to avoid employees working in the fall zone.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

2. Crane Overload

Potential Consequences: Crane failure, dropped load, injury to personnel, and damage to property. [5] [5]

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, and personnel in the vicinity.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• Ensure crane operators are properly trained and certified.
• Regularly inspect cranes and lifting equipment.
• Do not load jacks/lifting units beyond their rated capacity as established by the manufacturer.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Medium

3. Adverse Weather Conditions

Potential Consequences: Loss of control of the crane, dropped load, and risk of electrocution from lightning. [2] [2] [2]

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, and personnel in the vicinity.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Do not use personnel platforms in winds exceeding 20 mph.
• A qualified person must determine if it is safe to lift personnel in dangerous weather conditions.
• Provide appropriate personnel protective equipment and require it to be used around toxic, flammable, or haz- ardous substances or fumes.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

4. Personnel Lifting Hazards

Potential Consequences: Falls from height, dropped tools or materials, and equipment malfunction. [2] [2] [2]

Affected Persons: Personnel being lifted, crane operator, and personnel below.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• Conditions must provide clear visibility.
• Personnel platforms shall not be used in winds (sustained or gusts) in excess of 20 mph (32.2 km/hr), or in electric storms, snow, ice, sleet, or other adverse weather conditions which could affect the safety of personnel.
• The employer must only use personnel platforms for personnel, their tools, and sufficient material to do their work.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Medium

5. Improper Rigging

Potential Consequences: Load slippage, dropped load, equipment damage, and personnel injury. [1] [1]

Affected Persons: Riggers, crane operators, and personnel in the vicinity.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• All materials must be rigged by a qualified rigger.
• Inspect rigging equipment before each use.
• Ensure hooks are equipped with self-closing latches.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

6. Communication Breakdown

Potential Consequences: Miscommunication leading to unsafe crane operation, dropped load, and potential injury. [4] [4] [4]

Affected Persons: Crane operator, signal person, and riggers.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Use clear and concise hand signals.
• Post hand signals conspicuously at the crane/equipment.
• Verify communication systems to be used during the lift as functioning and effective prior to commencing the lift.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Minor	Low

7. Contact with Power Lines

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, severe burns, and equipment damage.

Affected Persons: Crane operator, riggers, and personnel in the vicinity.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• Maintain a safe distance from power lines.
• Use a spotter to monitor clearance from power lines.
• De-energize power lines when possible.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Medium

8. Manual Lifting and Carrying

Potential Consequences: Back injuries, muscle strains, and sprains. [6] [6] [6]

Affected Persons: Workers involved in manual lifting.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Use mechanical equipment whenever possible.
• Never try to lift an item weighing over 50 pounds by yourself.
• Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of travel before lifting.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

9. Boatswain's Chair Hazards

Potential Consequences: Falls from height, dropped tools or materials, and equipment malfunction. [3] [3] [3]

Affected Persons: Personnel being lifted, crane operator, and personnel below.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• The employer must not load the boatswain's chair in excess of its rated load capacity.
• The employer must only use the boatswain's chair for employ- ees, their tools, and the materials necessary to do their work. Do not use the chair to hoist materials or tools without hoisting employees.
• The employer must secure materials and tools during lift.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Medium

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct daily inspections of all lifting equipment.

Use a checklist to ensure all components are inspected.

• Implement a permit-to-work system for all lifting operations.

The permit must be approved by a competent person.

• Ensure all personnel involved in lifting operations are properly trained and certified.

Maintain training records and certifications.

• Provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

Ensure PPE is in good condition and properly fitted.

• Maintain a clear and unobstructed work area.

Remove any tripping hazards and ensure adequate lighting.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In the event of a dropped load, immediately evacuate the area and assess for injuries.
• If a crane malfunctions, safely lower the load and shut down the crane.
• In case of contact with power lines, evacuate the area and contact emergency services.
• For personnel lifting over water, a boat/skiff with appropriate rescue personnel must be readily available at all times during a personnel lift over water. [2]

7. Training Requirements

• Crane Operator Training: Comprehensive training on crane operation, load charts, and safety procedures.
• Rigger Training: Training on proper rigging techniques, load securement, and inspection of rigging equipment.
• Signal Person Training: Training on standard hand signals and communication protocols.
• Manual Lifting Techniques: Training on proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries.
• Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices: Qualifications for operators of below-the-hook lifting devices. [7]

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident or near miss

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Daily	Site Supervisor	Inspect all lifting equipment, rigging, and cranes before each use.
Performance Indicator	Monthly	Safety Manager	Track the number of lifting-related incidents and near misses.
Audit	Annually	External Auditor	Conduct a comprehensive audit of lifting operations and safety procedures.

9. Special Circumstances

• Lifting operations near power lines require additional precautions and spotters.
• Night work requires adequate lighting and increased vigilance.
• Lone work is discouraged; ensure adequate communication and emergency response plans are in place.

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, or after any incident or near miss or when significant changes occur.

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