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Chapter 1 : Introduction
1.1 Background

The number of Dangerous Occurrences involving cranes from 2011 to 2013 is as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 : Dangerous Occurrences involving cranes from 2011 to 2013

25
Lorry Loaders

20 1
1 Overhead
2 1
1 2 Traveling Cranes
15 1
Dockside Tower
8 6 Cranes
6
10 Tower Cranes

Mobile Cranes
5 9 9 10

Crawler Cranes
0
2011 2012 2013

The number of Dangerous Occurrences over the past three years remained fairly constant. Further
analysis shows that crawler cranes were the largest contributor, which accounts for 49.12 % of the
Dangerous Occurrences over the three-year period. With over 24,000 registered cranes in Singapore,
crawler cranes make up only approximately 1,500 units or 6.87% of the entire working fleet of
cranes here.

With crawler cranes making up a small proportion in the entire working fleet of cranes but being a
large contributor towards Dangerous Occurrences, a study was initiated by National Crane Safety
Taskforce to analyze the key contributing factors for Dangerous Occurrences involving crawler
cranes and make appropriate recommendations to the various crane stakeholders for their adoption.

1.2 Legal Requirements

The key safety legislation relating to operations of cranes in workplaces are as follows:

a) Workplace Safety and Health Act (Chapter 354A)

b) Workplace Safety and Health (Operation of Cranes) Regulations
c) Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations
d) Workplace Safety and Health (Construction) Regulations
e) Workplace Safety and Health (Shipbuilding and Ship-repairing) Regulations
f) Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations

Relevant national standard and code of practice are as follows:

a) Singapore Standard SS 536:2008 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
b) Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in Workplaces (published by the WSHC in
collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower)
c) CP 35 : 1996 The Selection, Care and Maintenance of Steel Wire Ropes for Hoisting
d) SS 297 : 1996 Steel Wire Ropes for Hoisting

1
1.3 Objectives of Study

The objectives of this study are as follows:

a) Identify key contributing factors leading to Dangerous Occurrences (collapse, failure and
over-turning) of crawler cranes; and
b) Make appropriate recommendations to improve safety of crawler cranes.

2
Chapter 2 : Research and Analysis
2.1 Definitions

The following are the definition of the terms used in this report.

2.1.1 Crawler Crane

A self-propelled crane mounted on an undercarriage with a set of two endless tracks that revolve
around wheels.

2.1.2 Dangerous Occurrence

Collapse or failure of a crane, derrick, winch, hoist, piling frame or other appliance used in raising or
lowering persons or goods, or any load bearing part thereof (except breakage of chain or rope slings),
or the overturning of a crane.

2.2 Fault Tree Analysis using 5M Model

The causal factors leading to Dangerous Occurrences involving crawler cranes were identified
through fault tree analysis in which the 5M model, summarized in Figure 2, was applied.

Figure 2 : Overview of fault tree analysis using 5M model approach

FAULT TREE ANALYSIS

    
Machine Material Medium Man Method
 Functionality of
 Ground  Unsafe  Selection of
components e.g.  Rigging method
conditions operations equipment
safety devices
 Failure of crane  Implementation
 Behaviour of
structural  Weight of load  Obstacles and execution
crane operator
components of lifting plan
 Implementation  Environmental
and execution of  Center of gravity factors such as  Competency of
 Work procedure
maintenance of load weather lifting personnel
regime conditions
 Time allocated
 Lighting
 Human error to complete
conditions
task
 Conduct and
 Demarcation of implementation
lifting zone of risk
assessment

3
2.3 Factors Contributing to Dangerous Occurrences involving Crawler Cranes

16 Dangerous Occurrences involving crawler cranes from 2011 to 2013 were analyzed. Figure 3
presents the distribution of factors1 leading to the Dangerous Occurrences.

Figure 3 : Distribution of factors leading to Dangerous Occurrence cases

10
8
8 7

6
4
4 3 3

0
Machine Method Man Material Medium

The analysis of the cases revealed that machine and method were significant causal factors leading
to the Dangerous Occurrences compared with man, material and medium. Effort in terms of analysis
and recommendation is therefore focused on machine and method while aspects relating to man,
material and medium would be briefly discussed.

2.4 Analysis of Causal Factors

2.4.1 Machine

Machine was found to be the key causal factor leading to Dangerous Occurrences involving crawler
cranes from 2011 to 2013, contributing towards 8 out of 16 or 50% of cases.

Analysis was conducted to determine the reasons of failure relating to machine as a causal factor.

Figure 4 : Reasons of failure relating to machine as causal factor

Other
components
(boom
structure,
hooks, etc.)
2, 25%

Wire ropes Limit switches

(luffing or (overload, over-
hoisting) derrick or over-
2, 25% hoist)
4, 50%

Figure 4 indicates that there were 3 main reasons contributing towards machine as the key causal
factor, namely failure of safety devices, such as overload, over-derrick and over-hoist limit switches,
which was found to be the main culprit contributing to 4 out of 8 or 50% of cases. Wire rope failure
and failure of other crane components were the remaining contributors.

1
There may be more than one contributing factor in each analyzed case.

4
Failure of safety devices was largely attributed to poor maintenance regime. A maintenance regime
of cranes should be comprehensive, covering safety devices of the lifting machines, to ensure they
function in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications.

Due diligent in pre-operational checks of the crawler crane, including all the safety devices, by the
crane operator before commencing each work shift is also crucial. This would ensure that the cranes
and their safety devices are in working order. Effective safety devices could prevent catastrophe
consequences in the event of any accidental unsafe manoeuvre. A feedback mechanism within the
organisation for reporting of the defects should be established.

Investigations into 2 out of 8 or 25% of cases found with the luffing/hoisting wire ropes to be of
unsatisfactory condition, which possibly led to the Dangerous Occurrences. The wire ropes were
found to be in unsatisfactory condition over a span of length instead of being concentrated or
localized.

Out of the 8 cases where machine was the causal factor, 2 of which or 25% was caused by failure of
crane component. One is attributed to substandard welding repair works to boom lattice structures,
not according with the required welding specifications. The other one was due to the hook block was
not maintained at the recommended interval by the manufacturer or in accordance to international
standards.

2.4.2 Method

Method was the causal factor contributing towards 7 out of 16 or 44% of Dangerous Occurrences
involving crawler cranes.

Further analysis was carried out to determine the inappropriate methods adopted that eventually
lead to the Dangerous Occurrence.

Figure 5 : Reasons of failure with method as causal factor

Poor
Unsafe work implementation
method of permit-to-
1, 14% work, risk
assessment &
safe work
procedures
1, 14%

Unsafe
manoeuvre
5, 72%

Figure 5 shows that there were 3 main reasons contributing towards method as a causal factor,
namely unsafe manoeuvre of crane, unsafe work method, overloading and poor implementation of
permit-to-work system, risk assessment and safe work procedures. These findings also point towards
poor development and implementation of lifting plans to ensure that all aspects for the conduct of
lifting operations in a safe and sound manner have been duly considered. Unsafe manoeuvre of

5
cranes was found to be the main cause contributing towards 4 out of 7 or 57% of cases with method
as a causal factor.

Investigation into the 5 cases showed that unsafe manoeuvres carried out by crane operators
leading to Dangerous Occurrences included elevating the boom at high speeds, bypassing of safety
devices to perform the lift and engaging in concurrent multiple manoeuvres such as slewing and
elevating of boom. Manoeuvring the crane in an uncontrolled manner brings about instability to the
crane that could lead to a collapse as shown in Figure 6. Safety devices are also installed in cranes as
a measure to prevent unsafe manoeuvres from being committed and bypassing them would render
them ineffective.

Figure 6 : Collapse of crawler crane involving inappropriate method of lifting

The employment of an unsafe work method was observed in 1 case involving a crawler crane
engaged in extracting a pile casing without consideration for skin friction induced by the soil which
indirectly increases the weight of load exerted on the crane. The total weight was therefore above
the maximum safe working load of the crane at the given lifting configuration.

Under the law, a permit-to-work system must be implemented at a workplace where high-risk
construction, shipbuilding or ship-repairing works are being carried out. Lifting operations carried
out in the construction industry involving crawler cranes are high-risk works. A thorough assessment
of the risks involved and safe work procedures and lifting plan should be established before the
commencement of such work activities. These were not observed in 1 out of the 6 cases categorized
with method being a casual factor.

2.4.3 Man

4 out of 16 or 25% of Dangerous Occurrences involving crawler cranes was found to be caused by
man as a factor.

An analysis found that all 4 cases with man as a causal factor involved unsafe operations of crawler
cranes by crane operators. In 2 out of 4 or 50% of cases with man as a causal factor, crane operators
left the crane unattended with the hoisting lever engaged while taking a break away from the crane.

6
Other cases involved the crane operator manoeuvring the crane with a large boom angle and while
on sloping ground.

Figure 7 : Collapse of crawler crane involving negligence of crane operator

2.4.4 Material

Although material was identified as a causal factor for 3 out of 16 or 19% of Dangerous Occurrences
involving crawler cranes, the reasons leading to material as a causal factor have been seen to bring
about catastrophic consequences.

Analysis was then performed to determine the reasons leading to material as a causal factor that
brought about the Dangerous Occurrences.

Figure 8 : Reasons for material as causal factor

Inappropriate
selection of
lifting gears
1, 33%

Overloading
2, 67%

Figure 8 shows that there were 2 main reasons leading to material being identified as the causal
factor for the 3 cases with overloading taking precedence at 2 out of 3 cases or 67%. The remaining
case involved the inappropriate selection of lifting gears for the load that is to be lifted.

Analysis of the cases found that crane operators overloaded the crawler cranes by bypassing the
safety devices in order to lift the load to its intended location, which is further than the maximum

7
safe working radius of the crane for the weight of the load being lifted. Lifting a load beyond the
maximum safe working radius of the crane introduces instability to the crane which could lead to
collapse of the crane.

Inappropriate selection of lifting gears to perform the lift, as shown in Figure 9, was also found to be
a reason which contributed to material being a causal factor. Failure of the lifting gear chosen to rig
the load to the crane hook would not only introduce hazards such as falling objects but also cause
adverse effects to the crane. In this case, the lifting gear failure caused the jib to back-flip due to
reaction forces exerted on it at the moment when the failure occurred.

Figure 9 : Failure of lifting gear

2.4.5 Medium

Medium was found to be a causal factor for 3 out of 16 or 19% of Dangerous Occurrences involving
crawler cranes.

Further analysis found that all cases with medium being identified as a causal factor involved the
crawler cranes operating on soft or muddy ground without steel plates such as in the case shown in
Figure 10. Crane stability is significantly reduced when operating in unsuitable ground conditions or
when steel plates are not laid on the ground on which the crawler cranes are operating on.

Figure 10 : Collapse of crawler crane working on soft ground

8
Chapter 3 : Summary of Analysis
Machine, method, man, material and medium were all found to have contributed to Dangerous
Occurrences involving the collapse of cranes. Machine and method were analyzed to be the causal
factor of most cases. Notwithstanding this, man, material and medium still remain as important
factors in ensuring safe operation of cranes.

3.1 Machine

Failure of machine refers to the malfunction of crane components such as safety devices, wire ropes
and boom lattice structure. Failure of these components, especially safety devices and wire ropes,
often point towards a lack of periodic maintenance and non-adherence to the maintenance regime.
Safety devices such as limit switches prevent an unsafe manoeuvre which could prevent the
occurrence of a collapse. Failure of boom lattice structure often occurs at welds, which was usually a
result of improper repairs.

3.2 Method

Improper method adopted for the conduct of lifting operations commonly refers to unsafe crane
manoeuvres and work methods. Manoeuvring the crane in an unsafe manner, which involve hoisting
or lowering of load, elevating or lowering of boom and slewing at high speeds, reduces the ability of
the operator’s full control of the crane. This is made worst when such manoeuvres involve multiple
actions and bypassing of safety devices with the aim of completing a task in a shorter duration.

3.3 Man

The operator at the controls determines the actions to be performed by the crane. The majority of
cases with man as the causal factor involve negligence of the operator. This was seen through
leaving the crane engine on and operations lever engaged when leaving the crane cabin, and
operating the crane in an unsafe configuration and on ground with undesirable conditions.

3.4 Material

Material being a causal factor of crane collapse refers to the load being lifted by the crane thereby
causing its collapse. This commonly occurs when the weight of the load being lifted exceeds the
maximum safe working load that the crane is capable of lifting at the given lifting configuration. With
the bypassing of safety devices in order for the lifting operation to be carried out, an overloading
situation occurs, leading to the collapse of the crane. In addition, lifting gears ensure that the load
being lifted is securely held to the crane hook during the lifting operation. Failure of the lifting gears
would also cause a sudden detachment of load from the crane, exerting a reaction force on the
crane which could bring about catastrophic consequences to both the crane and anyone below or
within the vicinity of the load being lifted.

3.5 Medium

Medium plays a critical role in ensuring crane stability as it refers to the ground on which the crane is
situated or deployed on. Undesirable ground conditions such as soft or muddy ground or ground not
laid with steel plates introduces instability to the crane operating on top. Centre of gravity of the
crane varies during lifting operations where various crane manoeuvres are being carried out,
bringing about changes to crane stability. This worsens in the presence of soft or muddy ground,
leading to a collapse of crane.

9
Chapter 4 : Areas for Improvement
The following areas for improvement were identified based on analysis of the causal factors leading
to the Dangerous Occurrence cases involving the collapse of crawler cranes.

4.1 Machine

 Maintenance of crawler cranes should be carried out at regular intervals as stipulated in the
maintenance regime recommended by manufacturer or internationally accepted standards. This
ensures that crawler cranes used at workplaces, including their safety devices, are in good
working order and functioning in a safe and sound manner as designed by the manufacturer.
 Such maintenance should be carried out by competent persons in accordance with a procedure
recommended by the manufacturer. Maintenance records shall be kept up to date and indicate
the type of maintenance performed on the crawler cranes.
 Load bearing parts of crawler cranes such as wire ropes should be adequately greased to ensure
that they have sufficient lubrication to prevent any form of failure. Failure of such components
would lead to catastrophic consequences where the load or the entire boom structure could be
dislodged, creating unnecessary hazards.
 Crawler cranes sometimes require repair as part of maintenance when defects are found in their
structure or components. Repair works should only be carried out by an approved crane
contractor to carry out repair on the respective models of cranes. This ensures that the repair
work is carried out in accordance to manufacturer’s specifications so that the integrity of the
crawler crane, after the repairs have been completed, is not compromised.

4.2 Method

 Manoeuvring of crawler cranes should always be done with due caution regardless of the type of
manoeuvres being carried out. Crane operators should always ensure that they are able to
maintain full control the crane. In order for this to be ensured, crane operators should only
operate the cranes at a safe speed. Safety during lifting operations should never be
compromised over limitation in time to complete a lifting activity.
 Lifting operations involving crawler cranes are classified as high-risk work activities. A permit-to-
work system should be implemented at the workplace covering such activities while ensuring
that the necessary safety precautions are taken and enforced when such activities are being
conducted. Persons involved in the conduct of such activities, such as those comprising the
lifting team, should also be well informed of the hazards they are exposed to and the
precautions they should take to carry out the work in a safe and sound manner.
 A detailed method statement should be prepared before the conduct of lifting operations. The
method statement should be prepared by a competent person who is familiar with the work
tasks and steps involved in the lifting operations. This is to ensure that potential hazards and
risks are considered during the conduct of each step and all reasonably practicable control
measures are implemented to mitigate the risks identified to as low as reasonably practicable.
 Lifting plans aid the lifting team in planning for the conduct of lifting operations in a safe and
sound manner. Lifting plans should therefore be prepared with due diligence with consideration
of all factors affecting the lifting operations such as load, lifting machine, lifting gears, lifting
team, means of communication, physical and environmental conditions and appropriate rigging
methods to be employed. An appropriate safety factor should also be considered when selecting

10
 suitable lifting machines, appliances and gears for use to conduct lifting operations. Lifting plans
should then be audited by a competent person for relevance and sufficiency before they are
implemented.

4.3 Man
 The analysis of Dangerous Occurrences involving crawler cranes found that the crane operator,
being the person at the helm of the lifting machine, was usually the person involved where man
was identified as the causal factor leading to the incident. Being the one in control of the lifting
machine, it is paramount that the crane operator does not engage in any unsafe act or
manoeuvre which compromises the safety of the lifting operations which would in turn bring
about hazards and risks to persons in the vicinity of the machine. The crane operator should
carry out his duties with due diligence and conform to any rules of safe operations of cranes.
They must not bypass safety devices such as limit switches and warning lights and alarms.
Regular audit checks should also be initiated by the Occupier to ensure that persons in the lifting
team do not infringe any rules for safe conduct of lifting operations.
 Crane operators should carry out pre-operational checks on the crane with due diligence before
the start of every work shift. The results from such pre-operational checks should be recorded in
a checklist which is to be kept as a record. The lifting supervisor should also ensure that any fault
with the crane found during the conduct of such pre-operational checks is duly reported by the
crane operator and necessary rectification action carried out thereafter.
 Man, in particular the crane operator, should not solely rely on safety devices, such as limit
switches, to prevent any unsafe manoeuvre of crawler cranes. Safety devices are installed in
cranes as a final measure or barrier to prevent such unsafe manoeuvres from being carried out.
Sole reliance on safety devices could increase the chances of undesirable outcomes should such
safety devices fail. The following measures could be taken to remind crane operators not to rely
solely on safety devices to determine the lifting limits of the crane.
a. Conduct of structured training to raise competence of crane operators in determining
lifting capacity of crawler cranes with at various lifting configurations; and
b. General safety awareness briefings and reminders to crane operators during the daily
toolbox meeting before the start of every work shift.
 Development of an Appointed Persons (AP) and Lifting Engineers (LE) Course to provide relevant
and structured training to persons involved in lifting operations. The course could focus on the
development and execution of a comprehensive lifting plan to suit to the actual lifting
operations being conducted.
 Development of technical courses by crane manufacturers to equip mechanics involved in crane
maintenance and repair with the necessary competence to carry out such tasks in accordance
with manufacturer’s recommendations and internationally recognised standards.

11
4.4 Material

 Proper selection of lifting machines play an important role in ensuring that loads can be lifted
from origin to intended destination safely. Selecting a lifting machine with a sufficient lifting
capacity would reduce the probability of crane operators stretching the limits of crawler cranes
to complete the lifting assignment, which could be seen as a form of undesirable act.
 Proper selection of lifting gears is also another critical area of consideration. Improper selection
of lifting gears would lead to a compromise in integrity of lifting gears during the lifting
operation. As there are no safety devices installed with lifting gears, warning signs indicating
their failure during lifting operations are not as obvious. Failure of lifting gears also bring about
catastrophic consequences as this poses hazards involving falling objects, compromising the
safety of persons, such as the lifting team, who are in the vicinity of the crawler crane.

4.5 Medium

 Ground conditions on which crawler cranes are deployed should be thoroughly assessed before
the deployment of the crane and commencement of lifting operations. Soft ground reduces the
stability of cranes operating on the surface where a sudden depression caused by the various
crane manoeuvres could destabilize the crane to an extent to cause a collapse.
 Measures such as ensuring that the maximum ground bearing pressure is above the maximum
force exerted by the crawler crane during the planned lifting operations, with consideration of
the heaviest load being lifted, should be carried out while safe crane access should be ensured.
 Crawler cranes should be deployed to operate on flat ground. Ground flatness should be
determined before their deployment and commencement of operations to enhance their
stability during operations.

12
Chapter 5 : Recommendations by National Crane Safety Taskforce
With the aim of enhancing safe use and operations of crawler cranes at workplaces, the National
Crane Safety Taskforce has made several recommendations. The Taskforce will collaborate with the
Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to roll out joint
initiatives to raise the standards for crane safety in the industry.

5.1 Enhancement of Maintenance Regime [Machine]

Crane owners should develop comprehensive inspection and maintenance checklists for use by the
respective competent persons to assist them in carrying out a thorough inspection and maintenance
of crawler cranes. These checklists shall include detailed checks not only on the various safety
devices but also on crane components such as wire ropes and boom structure. References should be
made to recognised standards such as the Singapore Standard SS536:2008 Code of Practice for the
Safe Use of Mobile Cranes and the crane maintenance manual issued by the manufacturer when
developing the checklists. The syllabus of the AP/LE Course should also cover the development of a
comprehensive maintenance checklist.

Observations also showed that the frequency for maintenance of crawler cranes varies between
crane owners from once monthly to once half-yearly. The Taskforce recommends that the frequency
for maintenance of crawler cranes be standardized to at least once monthly. Regular and frequent
maintenance ensures that crawler cranes are functioning in accordance to manufacturer’s
specifications and requirements, thereby reducing the probably for the occurrence of component
failures which in turn mitigates the risks brought about by such failures.

5.2 Establishment and Implementation of Lifting Plan Adequate for its Purpose [Method]

The lifting plan is an important document which serves the purpose of ensuring that lifting
operations are well planned. A lifting plan can only serve its purpose effectively when all the
necessary parameters are included. The Taskforce, with the WSH Council and MOM, will launch a set
of guidelines for preparing lifting plans for lifting operations in workplaces to assist stakeholders in
developing a comprehensive lifting plan which considers and covers all relevant parameters before
the actual lifting operation is being executed. These guidelines shall be used in conjunction with the
Code of Practice for Safe Lifting Operations in Workplaces.

Persons preparing and reviewing the lifting plans are encouraged to attend the Appointed Persons
for Lifting Operations Course which is currently being developed. The course equips Appointed
Persons involved in Lifting Operations with knowledge and skills such as selection of lifting
equipment, employment of suitable rigging methods, and developing and implementing a lifting plan
to conduct lifting operations in a safe and sound manner. Lifting plans should also be audited both
on a regular basis and before the commencement of lifting operations. The auditing process ensures
that the lifting plan is adequate for its purpose and that the appropriate method is adopted for the
lifting operations to be carried out in a safe and sound manner.

5.3 Ensuring Competency of Persons Involved in Lifting Operations [Man]

Persons involved in lifting operations not only include the lifting team which comprises of the crane
operator, lifting supervisor, rigger and signalman but also personnel such as the Safety Assessor for
the workplace who assesses and ensure that the permit-to-work system for lifting operations is well
implemented. Crane operators should be adequately familiarised with the operations of the
particular model of crawler crane that he/she has been assigned to operate. Crane operators should

13
also ensure that they operate the crawler cranes in a manner such that they are able to maintain full
control of the crane manoeuvres at all times and not perform any action to stretch the capacity of
the crawler crane beyond its safe working limits. Lifting Supervisors, as the appointment suggests,
should play a more proactive role to supervise all lifting operations to ensure that they are being
carried out in accordance with safe and sound practice.

The Taskforce recommends that Safety Assessors should possess the necessary knowledge and skills
before being appointed as an Assessor for the permit-to-work system for lifting operations. The
Assessor shall demonstrate the competence to assess the lifting plan to ensure that it is prepared in
accordance to the relevant standards and is effective for the lifting operations being conducted,
identify associated risks and ensure that relevant measures are implemented to mitigate such risks.

The Taskforce also recommends that additional structured training courses and workshops such as
the AP/LE Course be conducted for persons involved in lifting operations to provide them with
refreshers on skills required to ensure that lifting operations are carried out in a safe and sound
manner. Such courses and workshops could cover in depth or refresher topics such as methods to
ensure suitable ground conditions for crawler cranes to operate, safe manoeuvre of crawler cranes
and good rigging practices.

The development of the AP/LE Course could introduce an additional appointment to the lifting team.
The appointment of a Lifting Engineer, on top of the Lifting Supervisor, could play the role of an
auditor of lifting plans for both routine and complex lifts. The role of this specialist position is to
ensure that detailed preparations with all relevant aspects of the lifting operation to be carried out
are duly considered so that the lifting operation would be carried out in a safe and sound manner.

With crane operators playing a critical role in the safe operations of crawler cranes, the Taskforce
further recommends that a Crane Operator Registry be developed. This registry would contain full
records of all registered crane operators such as classes of crane license obtained, years of crane
operation experience, work experience such as projects involved and types of cranes operated,
trainings undergone and past penalties accumulated. A demerit point system could then be
introduced for any contravention committed by crane operators to safe and sound practice of crane
operation. The Crane Operator Registry would be useful for employers to determine the pool of
operators who are best suited for the job by considering their prior work experience in the specific
type of lifting operations which would be carried out at the worksite before they are engaged.

5.4 Establishment of System to Track Unsafe Crane Manoeuvres [Material]

As unsafe manoeuvres carried out by crawler cranes, especially pertaining to overloading, were
found to be a causal factor leading to their collapse, the Taskforce recommends that a system be
established to track crawler crane manoeuvres, especially when being operated in an unsafe manner.
A data logger, compatible with the crane functions, could be installed in cranes where manoeuvres
beyond the working limits of the cranes are being captured. Details of such unsafe manoeuvres
would be made available for incident investigation or even surveillance and behavioural study
purposes.

14
5.5 Ensuring Suitable Working Platform [Medium]

The working platform i.e. ground on which crawler cranes are operating should be certified safe for
the configuration of the crane and maximum load that would be lifted during the entire course of
lifting operations. Accurate details of the configuration and specification of the crawler crane should
be provided by the crane manufacturer while details of the load should be provided by the lifting
team involved in developing of the lifting plan before appropriate calculations could be prepared
and certified by a Professional Engineer (Civil). In addition, the Taskforce recommends that adequate
steel plates should be provided over crane access and operation areas to ensure crane stability
during travel and operations.

15
Chapter 6 : Conclusion
This report presents an overview of the analysis of crane-related Dangerous Occurrences which took
place over a three-year period. The analysis described the various causal factors leading to the
Dangerous Occurrence case with machine, method and man found to be the main areas of concern.

Through the observations, crane safety can definitely be improved. The recommendations presented
by the Taskforce in Chapter 5 are derived from analysis of the causal factors and reasons that led to
the Dangerous Occurrence cases. The Taskforce will target the causal factors and further look into
areas which could be enhanced to mitigate the likelihood of a similar occurrence. This could include
for example, working with crane owners to jointly develop inspection and maintenance regimes and
checklists and developing training courses to equip persons involved in lifting operations with
enhanced skills to enable them to conduct these activities in a safe and sound manner.

Acknowledgements
This set of recommendations was developed by the following industry-led workgroup formed under
the WSH Council-led National Crane Safety Taskforce. Members of the workgroup dedicated their
time in their individual capacity to make this set of recommendations possible. Representatives from
the Ministry of Manpower and WSH Council were actively involved and provided the necessary
support in the development of the recommendations.

Mr. Albert Chua (Chairman) – Liebherr-Singapore Pte Ltd

Mr. Yeo Kim Hock (Co-Chairman) – Gammon Construction Limited, Singapore Branch
Mr. Andrew Tan – JP Nelson Equipment Pte Ltd
Mr. Aaron Khor – Hua Tiong (Asia) Pte Ltd
Mr. Suzaini Husen – Tiong Woon Crane & Transport Pte Ltd
Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohd Zain – Tat Hong Plant Leasing Pte Ltd
Mr. Liew Kim Foo – Kobelco Cranes South East Asia Pte Ltd
Mr. Wee Ngai Khay – Land Transport Authority
Er. Mohd Ismadi – Ministry of Manpower
Mr. Go Heng Huat – Ministry of Manpower
Er. Theresa Liew – Ministry of Manpower
Mr. Chia Chee Yong – Ministry of Manpower
Mr. Elmer Khong – Ministry of Manpower
Ms. Kristine Huang – Workplace Safety and Health Council

16