The Complete Guide to Lifting Operations in Construction: Staying Safe and Compliant
- Steven Harrison CMgr MCMI
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
Introduction: Why Lifting Operations Deserve Your Attention
Lifting operations are a routine — yet high-risk — part of construction work. Whether you’re moving steel beams, pallets of bricks, or prefabricated components, the risks associated with lifting are significant.
Each year, unsafe lifting practices result in serious injuries, equipment damage, and costly delays, not to mention the legal consequences of non-compliance. For that reason, it’s essential that every lifting operation is planned, supervised, and carried out safely.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about lifting operations on construction sites — from UK legislation and key hazards, to best practice in planning and execution.
What Are Lifting Operations?
A lifting operation is defined under UK law as "an operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a load" — this includes any activity using lifting equipment like cranes, hoists, slings, or telehandlers.
A “load” can be anything from building materials to machinery, or even workers in a man-basket.
UK Legal Framework: LOLER 1998
The cornerstone of UK regulation on lifting is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). Part of the Health and Safety at Work Act, LOLER places legal duties on employers, site managers, and contractors.
Under LOLER, you must:
Plan all lifting operations properly
Supervise lifting tasks appropriately
Ensure they are carried out in a safe manner
Use suitable lifting equipment that is properly maintained
Conduct regular inspections and thorough examinations
Failing to comply can result in enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) — from improvement notices to prosecution.
Key Hazards in Lifting Operations
Understanding the risks is step one in managing them. Common hazards include:
1. Overloading Equipment
Exceeding a crane or hoist’s safe working load (SWL) can lead to mechanical failure or collapse.
2. Unstable Loads
Improper rigging or uneven distribution can cause the load to swing, tip, or fall during movement.
3. Contact with Overhead Power Lines
Crane booms and tall equipment can unintentionally come into contact with live wires, causing electrocution or fire.
4. Lack of Communication
Poor coordination between the lifting team, especially in noisy or complex environments, increases the risk of accidents.
5. Inadequate Ground Conditions
Setting up on unstable or soft ground can lead to equipment tipping or subsiding under load.
The Role of a Lift Plan
A Lift Plan is the foundation of a safe lifting operation. It is a detailed document prepared by a competent person, outlining how the lift will be carried out, by whom, and what controls are in place.
A good Lift Plan includes:
A description of the load and lifting equipment
Site-specific risk assessment
Roles and responsibilities (e.g. Appointed Person, Lift Supervisor, Slinger/Signaller)
Ground conditions and exclusion zones
Emergency arrangements
Lift Plans are mandatory for all lifting operations, from basic hoists to complex multi-crane lifts.
Planning Lifting Operations: Roles and Responsibilities
Lifting requires teamwork. Here are the key people involved:
✅ Appointed Person
Responsible for planning the lift and ensuring it's carried out safely. They must be competent and experienced.
✅ Crane Supervisor
Ensures the lift plan is followed on-site and that everyone knows their role.
✅ Slinger/Signaller
Handles the rigging of the load and communicates with the crane operator.
✅ Crane Operator
Operates the lifting equipment as per the lift plan and under supervision.
Types of Lifting Equipment and Their Considerations
Each site and task may require different types of equipment:
Tower cranes – Ideal for high-rise builds, but require careful erection and dismantling
Mobile cranes – Flexible but must be properly stabilised
Hoists – Often used for vertical lifting of people or goods
Telehandlers – Common on smaller sites; need regular checks
Slings, shackles, spreader beams – Often overlooked, but critical to rigging safety
All equipment must be inspected regularly and marked with its SWL.
Inspection and Maintenance: Staying on the Right Side of LOLER
LOLER requires that lifting equipment undergo:
Pre-use checks by trained operators
Weekly inspections recorded in a logbook
Thorough Examinations by a competent person (usually every 6–12 months)
Any defect found must be reported and rectified before the equipment is used again.
Best Practice: Tips for Safer Lifting Operations
Implementing these practices significantly reduces risk:
✅ Always use a Lift Plan – even for routine lifts
✅ Keep lifting zones clear of non-essential personnel
✅ Use radios or hand signals for clear communication
✅ Check wind speeds and weather conditions before lifting
✅ Never lift over live areas or people
✅ Ensure all lifting team members are competent and trained
Case Study: How We Helped a Client Avoid Downtime
One of our construction clients was facing delays due to failed lifting inspections. After a thorough site audit, SJH Safety Solutions provided:
A revised Lift Plan in line with LOLER
Refresher training for the appointed person and slingers
Updated inspection protocols
As a result, lifting operations resumed without incident and the project was delivered on time and within budget.
How SJH Safety Solutions Can Support You
Lifting operations aren’t just a box-ticking exercise — they’re a critical part of site safety and legal compliance.
At SJH Safety Solutions, we:
Write custom Lift Plans
Carry out site-specific risk assessments
Deliver training for lifting roles
Audit your lifting equipment and procedures
Help you meet LOLER, PUWER and CDM regulations
🛠️ Whether you’re managing a large-scale construction project or overseeing routine lifting tasks — we’ve got the expertise to help you do it safely.
Final Thoughts
Lifting operations in construction require more than just muscle and machinery — they demand planning, precision, and professionalism.
With lives at stake and regulations to meet, now is the time to ensure your site is doing lifting the right way.
📞 Contact Us Today
Looking for help with Lift Plans, training, or compliance audits?
Contact SJH Safety Solutions to find out how we can help you manage compliance and keep your workforce safe.
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