Worker struck by crane boom
On 13 December 2022, a worker was on the bed of a lorry crane assisting in the unloading of steel bars from the lorry crane when the crane boom suddenly fell and struck him. The worker died at the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the crane boom fell when it was lifting some steel bars. The lifting operation was not carried out by a proper lifting team and there was no lifting plan.
Recommendations
Lorry cranes are used extensively in Singapore. Lifting operations involving lorry cranes are highrisk activities, especially if they are not carried out properly. A few other accidents involving lorry cranes have happened this year, with the two most recent ones occurring on 26 August and 7 December 2022. To prevent such accidents, consider the following measures:
• Safe lifting operation: Ensure that a competent lifting team (typically comprising a crane operator, lifting supervisor, rigger, and signalman) is deployed and a lifting plan is developed, before a lifting operation commences, including those conducted by sub-contractors. The liking plan must be supported with a site-specific risk assessment, safe lifting procedures, and authorised via a permit-to-work system. Brief the lifting team thoroughly on the lifting plan before each lifting operation.
• Safe work position: Instruct workers never to stand under a suspended load and the crane's boom. Crane operators should not proceed with the lifting operation if there are workers located under the load or boom.
• Test and examination: Ensure that lorry cranes are tested and examined by an Authorised Examiner (AE) according to MOM's requirements. More frequent checks may be necessary for lorry cranes with high usage or used in harsh conditions. An example of a standard checklist for mobile crane examination is given in Annex I of the SS 536: 2008. Do not allow cranes with an expired AE certificate to be used.
• Regular maintenance: Place lorry cranes on a planned maintenance schedule according to the manufacturers recommendation, and additional attention is to be given to critical parts of the lorry crane. Ensure that maintenance works are carried out by competent persons.
• Pre-use inspection: Require and ensure lorry crane operators conduct daily pre-use checks before each work day/shift. Daily checks include operating the crane through all its motions without loads and verifying that safety devices are in proper working condition. Any problem areas or defects spotted must be raised and the use of the crane suspended until all issues are addressed. A sample pre-use checklist for lorry cranes can be found in Annex 2 of WSH Guidelines on Safe Use of Lorry Cranes.
Weekly inspection is also recommended so that a more detailed inspection can be carried out.
