LIFTING OPERATIONS TOOLBOX TALK
Control dropped-load, crushing and equipment-failure hazards.
Hazards, lifting controls and daily pre-work verification.
Toolbox Topic
LIFTING OPERATIONS TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Review dropped-load, crushing, impact, overturning, overloading and communication hazards during lifting operations, and verify the lifting plan, competent personnel, equipment suitability and work-area controls before starting.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
A lifting operation involves more than the crane itself. The operator, rigger, signalman, lifting accessories, ground conditions, wind, load centre of gravity and work area must be considered together.
Slings, shackles, hooks, beams and other accessories must be suitable for the load. Their identification, certification and physical condition must be checked. Damaged or unmarked equipment must not be used.
No person may stand below a suspended load or within the swing radius. During blind lifts, communication must be reliable and only the designated signalman should direct the operator.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A team used an available sling for a short lift, but the sling label was unreadable and the load weight had not been verified.
During lifting, the load became unstable and one side dropped. A nearby worker was exposed to a crushing hazard because the area was not adequately barricaded.
The event could have been prevented through an approved lifting plan, verified load weight, correct equipment selection, a trial lift and effective exclusion control.
REMEMBER
No one may stand below a suspended load or in the line of fire. Stop the lift whenever there is doubt.
KEY HAZARDS
Dropped loads or uncontrolled load movement.
Unsuitable or damaged lifting accessories.
Overloading or incorrect capacity selection.
Incorrect assessment of the load centre of gravity.
Personnel inside the suspended-load or swing area.
Blind lifting and loss of communication.
Poor ground bearing capacity or inadequate outrigger support.
High winds and adverse weather conditions.
CONTROL MEASURES
Verify the approved lifting plan and risk assessment.
Confirm the load weight and centre of gravity.
Check crane and accessory capacities.
Inspect slings, hooks, shackles and other equipment.
Assign competent operators, riggers and signalmen.
Barricade the lifting area and exclude personnel.
Provide reliable communication for blind lifts.
Use tag lines where appropriate.
Complete a trial lift to confirm load stability.
Verify wind, ground and environmental conditions.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
Team, before lifting today, we will confirm the plan, load weight, equipment capacity and exclusion zone. No one will stand below the load or inside the swing area. Only the designated signalman will direct the operator. We will stop immediately if equipment damage, communication failure or changing conditions are identified.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Has the load weight and centre of gravity been confirmed?
Is the selected equipment capacity suitable?
Who are the operator, rigger and signalman?
Is the lifting area fully barricaded?
How will communication be maintained during a blind lift?
Are wind and ground conditions acceptable?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
Lifting plan approved
Load weight confirmed
Centre of gravity identified
Equipment capacity suitable
Accessories inspected
Personnel competent
Area barricaded
Communication ready
Trial lift planned
Weather and ground suitable
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource — Lifting plans, equipment certification and site lifting procedures take priority.