Construction Safety: Lifting Equipment Management

No one should ever be forced to choose between safety and economics. Fortunately, this is unnecessary thanks to smart digital solutions for the handling of lifting equipment. These solutions allow these two critical considerations to reinforce each other, rather than being in conflict.

Shackles and hooks, slings and wires, winches, pulleys, and lifting beams... mounted on larger and smaller cranes, lifting equipment plays an essential and streamlining role on Norwegian construction sites.

In all cases, safety is of utmost importance. All lifting equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained, and your workers should be trained in proper use. The lifting equipment must be trusted and tested to handle the weight of the load, and all lifting operations should be carefully planned and executed to prevent accidents.

Using lifting equipment on your construction site always carries risks. Accidents can occur due to equipment failure, loads falling down, or incorrect use. Regular equipment inspections, proper training, and correct use reduce the risk.

And it's necessary. In 2021, there were 2 978 work accidents reported in Norway's construction sector, more than 12 every working day. Better handling of your lifting equipment can reduce a significant number of these.

7 Reasons to Talk More About Lifting Equipment Handling

The handling of your lifting equipment affects health, safety, and environment (HMS), and the economy. The requirements set for the certifications and safety of the lifting equipment are as stringent as those for the crane itself. There are many reasons you need to be more aware of how you are handling your lifting equipment:

1. Life cycle costs: The purchase price of lifting equipment is only a partial part of your total cost. Maintenance-, inspection-, repair-, and potential replacement costs are additional factors.
2. Downtime:  If your lifting equipment breaks down or requires maintenance, it can stop or delay the construction process, leading to increased costs.
3. Improved efficiency: Properly used lifting equipment, tailored to the task, tested, and ready for use, can enhance your productivity by making lifting operations faster and more effective.
4. Resale value: Some types of lifting equipment retain value well and can be resold when no longer needed, especially if the documentation is included. This potential gain is often overlooked.
5. Optimal inventory: Each piece of small lifting equipment costs far less than, for example, the cranes they are used with. Still, if you're not aware of how much you have, most end up buying excessively.
6. Testing and equipment maintenance: Regular inspections and preventive maintenance are crucial to ensure that your lifting equipment remains safe to use. Overlooking minor issues can lead to significant incidents in the future.
7. Proper use of equipment: Different types of lifting equipment are designed for specific loads and operations. Using the wrong equipment or misusing equipment can lead to accidents.

Also read: 10 ways a digital solution makes owning work equipment easier

Improvement Begins With Better Overview and Documentation

Safety and cost-effectiveness are two critical components in the construction industry. How do you handle operating instructions and documentation about equipment compliance declarations and tests? How easy is it for your employees to access this information when needed – as the law requires? Are there tools that can address all the points mentioned?

We believe there are, but because we also know that reality isn't always ideal, we dare to call it innovation. Smart use of digital tools can significantly improve both safety and profitability, especially regarding lifting equipment management. Here are four fundamental features of our lifting equipment software, Onix Work:

• Supplier documentation: In this digital solution, equipment suppliers can input all relevant documentation, including technical data, compliance statements, and operating instructions. This ensures all necessary information is accessible and up-to-date to you and your employees.
• Inspection results from inspectors: The equipment inspector can input documentation on performed checks and any improvement requirements directly into the digital solution. This contributes to increased transparency and traceability for inspection activities.
• User access: Users will always have access to all this documentation through an app or a QR code tagged to their equipment. This makes it easy for users to adapt to changes and stay informed about any equipment-related updates.
• Overview and notifications for company owners: You who own the equipment will have a full view of all equipment statuses, including its location, and will receive notifications before new checks need to be carried out. This allows you to be proactive and avoid potential safety risks.

These four points significantly affect the seven conditions mentioned earlier. You always have full control over every single unit's documentation. You know if it's tested and approved for use. Knowing what you have and where it's located helps you optimize inventory and ensure the right equipment is in the right place at the right time.

Digital Solutions Bridge Company Employees and Create a Culture of Safety

Safety and economics should never be a balancing act. With smart digital solutions for your lifting equipment, these two considerations can reinforce each other.

Custom digital solutions for your lifting equipment give you full control and oversight. Each piece of equipment can be traced from acquisition to use, to maintenance and testing. This not only ensures that the equipment is always in optimal condition but also ensures that you have a comprehensive view of each unit.

Also read: Checklist for when the purchasing manager needs to select lifting equipment software

With Onix Work, you save time, reduce costs, and, most importantly, maintain a culture of safety throughout your organization. But it's not just about following the rules. By investing in digital solutions for lifting equipment management, you signal to your employees, customers, and partners that you take safety seriously.

As is usual with this type of specialized software, with Onix Work, minimal training is required. Good user-friendliness and an app-based approach mean there's less need for extensive training – the software is more accessible to all users.

While Onix Work is straightforward for those handling lifting equipment daily, it's also powerful for those responsible for ensuring the equipment meets the usage requirements – and who also have the overall responsibility for operations and profitability.

Since Onix Work doesn't require extensive integrations with other systems, implementation is both quick and cost-effective. This means you get started and see results faster.

Are you ready for a discussion or a demo on how Onix Work can create improvements for you? Reach out by clicking contact us below: