LEEA
LEEA’s code of practice helps guide companies towards higher lifting safety standards.
Making safe lifting second nature The goal for any industry is to make safe lifting an instinctive part of daily operations – a culture where every worker knows that safety is paramount. When a company achieves this, visitors to the site immediately notice the difference. Operators conduct pre-lift toolbox talks and equipment checks without prompting, managers routinely discuss lift plans during project meetings, and everyone knows who the competent authority is when questions arise. In such a culture, even near-misses and minor issues are reported and analysed, rather than hidden or ignored. Creating this safety culture requires a commitment from all levels of the organisation. Workers must feel empowered to voice concerns and even halt a lift if something seems unsafe, with the assurance that management will back their decisions. This kind of environment not only reduces accidents but also boosts efficiency and worker morale. Lifts that are well-planned and executed result in fewer breakdowns and less downtime, ultimately saving time and money. Organisations in North America and around the world can leverage the extensive knowledge offered by LEEA and similar bodies. By adopting the LEEA COPSULE guidance, training staff to LEEA standards and using LEEA-member inspectors and suppliers, companies can integrate international best practices into local operations. The tragedies and statistics discussed earlier are not an inevitable cost of doing business; they are preventable through disciplined application of proven safety principles.
Safe lifting is about more than compliance or
avoiding fines – it is about protecting human life. Every operator, rigger and bystander deserves to return home safely at the end of the day. Whether working on a drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico, a high-rise construction site in New York, a port in Houston, or a farm in the heartland, safe lifting practices ensure that no load is worth risking a life.
Lifting equipment wields immense power
– to build, to move and to transform our world. Harnessing that power safely, with a steadfast commitment to excellence at every level, ensures that best practices become standard practice and that “safety above all” is more than just a slogan. It is a daily reality that upholds the reputation of our industries as responsible, forward-looking and fundamentally safe.
Ensuring the safety of lifting operations is paramount across various industries including oil and gas, construction, maritime, offshore and manufacturing. The challenges of lifting operations are multifaceted, but the principles remain the same: thorough planning, rigorous inspections, certified examinations and adherence to internationally recognised standards such as those set by LEEA. When companies invest in these practices, they not only protect their workers but also improve efficiency, reduce downtime and safeguard their reputations. By integrating robust lift plans, conducting
daily pre-use inspections and scheduling periodic certified examinations, organisations can mitigate the risks inherent in lifting operations. LEEA’s
Code of Practice provides a global framework that encapsulates these principles, guiding companies towards higher safety standards. With LEEA’s support and resources – from training and technical guidance to certification and audits – safe lifting can indeed become second nature in every industry. Ultimately, every effort made towards ensuring safe lifting practices is an investment in human life. The goal is clear: no matter the industry or the scale of the operation, nothing is worth the loss of life. As companies continue to adopt best practices and foster a culture where safety is embedded in every operation, they contribute not only to their own success but also to a broader, global effort to eliminate lifting accidents, injuries and fatalities.
Safety in lifting operations is a collective
responsibility that demands meticulous planning, diligent inspections and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement. By aligning with best practices and adhering to the standards set by authorities like LEEA, every stakeholder – from the operator on the ground to the executive in the boardroom – plays a crucial role in ensuring that each lift is executed safely. This is the path towards a future where best practice becomes normal practice, and safety is never compromised. In embracing these guidelines, industries worldwide can transform the inherent risks of lifting operations into manageable challenges, ensuring that every load, whether heavy or light, is lifted with the care and precision necessary to protect lives and maintain operational integrity. l
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