Lifting Operations in Construction: Key Hazards and How to Control Them
From equipment choice to ground checks — how to reduce risk and stay compliant
Lifting operations are a routine but high-risk activity in the construction industry. Whether operating a crane to hoist steel beams or using a scissor lift to carry out electrical work, lifting equipment plays a key role in many jobs on-site. However, these operations pose serious risks without thorough planning and risk management.
This article will outline the key safety considerations for lifting operations, common hazards and practical steps to control risks.
What Is a Lifting Operation?
Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998, a lifting operation is defined as:
“An operation concerned with the lifting or lowering of a load.”
This includes a wide range of tasks — from forklifts moving materials to cherry pickers used in roofing or maintenance work.
Is LOLER Relevant to Your Task?
Not all lifting activities fall under LOLER. The flowchart below can help determine whether LOLER applies to the equipment or activity you plan. If the equipment is used for work purposes and involves lifting a load free from supporting structures, LOLER likely applies.
Common Types of Lifting Equipment
Cranes: Tower, mobile, crawler, gantry
Telehandlers (telescopic handlers)
MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms): Scissor lifts, boom lifts, cherry pickers
Forklift trucks
Lifting slings and chains
Hoists: Electric, chain, and wire rope
Key Hazards in Lifting Operations
Working at height
Overloading equipment
Equipment malfunction or failure
Falling loads or objects
Overturning of machinery
Poor visibility during operation
Inadequate communication
Adverse weather conditions
Incorrect or incompatible lifting accessories
Unstable or uneven ground
Obstructions: trees, structures, overhead powerlines
The Importance of Risk Assessment and Planning
A recent HSE prosecution illustrates the devastating consequences that can result from inadequate control of lifting equipment and operations. In November 2024, a construction company was fined £160,000 following the tragic death of a worker on a construction site in Glasgow.
The operative was reversing a telehandler when it slid down an embankment and overturned, fatally crushing him. The HSE investigation revealed that the principal contractor had failed to carry out a risk assessment of the traffic route where the incident occurred. As a result, the terrain was unsuitable and posed a serious risk to plant operators.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 27(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which states:
“Traffic routes must be suitable for the persons or vehicles using them, sufficient in number, in suitable positions and of sufficient size.”
This case highlights the critical importance of traffic management and lift planning. Failing to assess ground conditions, gradients, and vehicle routes can lead to fatal incidents, resulting in serious legal and financial consequences.
Read the full HSE press release ➤
Planning a Safe Lifting Operation: What to Consider
✅ Equipment Selection
Ensure the chosen equipment and accessories suit the task and environment.
✅ Contractor Competence
Verify that operators and contractors have the required skills, training, and certifications.
✅ Proximity Hazards
Identify and mitigate risks from nearby obstacles such as structures, vegetation, or powerlines.
✅ Ground Conditions
Check for uneven, soft, or unstable surfaces that could cause machinery to shift or tip.
✅ Weather Conditions
Monitor for high winds, lightning, extreme temperatures, or poor visibility that could increase risk.
Conclusion
Lifting operations are a cornerstone of modern construction but also present serious risks if not carefully managed. The Glasgow telehandler incident is a sobering example of what can go wrong when fundamental safety steps are overlooked.
Organisations must prioritise planning, equipment suitability, competent personnel, environmental awareness, and continuous training to prevent similar tragedies. By doing so, we can meet legal obligations and foster a workplace culture where safety comes first.
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