Major Construction Firms Sound Alarm on Safety Amid Concerns Over Machinery Familiarisation.
In a recent debate hosted by Construction Management and the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), two prominent contractors, Laing O’Rourke and Sir Robert McAlpine, raised red flags about health and safety risks stemming from operators using construction equipment without proper familiarity.
The Essential Role of Familiarisation
Experts at the debate highlighted the crucial role of operator familiarisation with the machinery they use on construction sites. Craig Hook, Head of Lifting Solutions at Sir Robert McAlpine, emphasised the significance of this process but expressed concerns about its implementation amidst tight project schedules. He pointed out instances where machinery arrives before subcontractors, making it challenging to ensure proper familiarisation. Hook stressed the importance of having a prepared team to receive the machine and receive a comprehensive demonstration from a rental company representative.
The IPAF ePal Card as a Solution
Craig Hook advocated for the use of the IPAF ePal card, a tool that captures operators' experience and hours of use on specific types of machinery. He believes it can provide confidence in ensuring that operators are well-versed in operating the equipment safely.
Addressing the Crisis of Professionalism
George Mosey, Head of Health & Safety for Europe at Laing O’Rourke, highlighted a prevalent crisis of professionalism in the industry. He drew attention to the disparity in pay between seasoned professionals with extensive experience and those who have recently acquired their certification. Mosey urged the need for rewarding experience and competence, creating incentives for individuals to invest in themselves and accumulate time-served experience.
The Challenge from the Hirer’s Perspective
Mark Keily, Sunbelt Rentals SHEQ Director and Chair of IPAF’s International Safety Committee, represented the hirer perspective. He voiced challenges faced when contractors express the need for operator familiarisation but practical difficulties arise, such as operators being unavailable or teams undergoing changes.
Differentiating Familiarisation from Training
Brian Parker, IPAF Head of Safety & Technical, emphasised the distinction between familiarisation and training. He clarified that familiarisation involves demonstrating control functions, safety features, and characteristics specific to a piece of equipment. Parker noted incidents resulting from a lack of familiarisation and stressed the need to consider it as a separate and essential aspect of machinery operation.
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