CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

CHAPTER ONE 1.0. INTRODUCTION Plants are equipment and machineries necessary to carry out an engineering activity. The use of plants however has several advantages; reducing the time used for an engineering/construction activity, replaces labour and carrying out many other activities which cannot be done using manpower/ labour, maintaining high standard of and replacing labour where and when necessary amongst others. This research work studied the correct procedures of using large construction plants on site. In light of the just mentioned, this chapter of the research work is subdivided under the following subtopics; a. Background of the study b. Problem statement c. Aims and objectives d. Methodology e. Scope of study f. Outline of presentation (action plan) 1 1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY The Construction industry plays a vital role in any country‟s economy. Plants, materials and manpower are the core resources on which all operations in the construction industry are successfully executed. This gives the indication that the absence of one part shall cause problems such as delay in operation, poor work done amongst others. Plants usage therefore is of great benefits to the execution of every construction process. Transportation plants such as; cranes, chutes, vans, lorries, hoists and fork lifts have sped up construction works over the years by transporting materials from one place to the other in various directions. Excavation plants such as: bulldozers, skimmers, face shovels amongst others have provided builders the speed they needed to execute works in the shortest possible time. The technological changing faces of these plants have presented plants which may no longer be operated manually or may have sophisticated operation manuals. These advancements had required that operators also advanced in the usage. Experiences in the usage of older versions of plants have helped in the handling of such plants but it is always necessary that operators upgrade (educate) themselves in the operation of these modern plants. The lack of education, carelessness, overconfidence and the trust in outmoded experiences have caused the failure, under-usage and over-usage of some plants such as cranes. 1.1.1. CRANES: Cranes are lifting devices designed to raise materials by means of rope and pulley operations and move the load horizontally and vertically within the limitations of any particular machine. The range of cranes available is very wide and therefore choice must be based on the loads to be lifted, height and horizontal distance to be covered, time period(s) of lifting operations, utilization factors and degree of mobility required. Crane types can range from a simple rope and pulley or gin wheel 2 to a complex tower crane but most can be placed within 1 of 3 groups, namely mobile, static and tower cranes. (Chudley and Greeno 2010) 1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT In 2011 a building project was started in Accra (Kimbu) for the construction of an ultramodern shopping mall and offices complex (The Octagon). The project had a limited space for plants but the project managers (Dream Realty) did the best to put four tower cranes to speed up construction activities on site. Three sides of the site are surrounded by major streets whereas the other side of the site shared a common wall with the former Accra - Koforidua and Aflao Station (PROTOA Station). Overlooking the side of the streets are the Kimbu Secondary Technical School, the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) and the Novotel Hotels. The position of these cranes poses a very dangerous risk to all these surrounding facilities especially when they are all public places. The counter weight of the tower crane hangs in the street where vehicles and many pedestrians move. With this level of danger hovering over that part of the city, pedestrians and motorists no more feel comfortable using that portion of the city. Cranes have failed in several circumstances; Peace FM online, a Ghanaian based radio station published on 10th October, 2002 that; “Disaster struck at the Tema Steel Works factory on tuesday when two overhead cranes crashed on the ground killing an operator instantly. According to factory sources, the workers had to cut open the operator's cabin after the accident to remove the body of 28 year-old Charles Senkyire. Mr. Ben Tayne, operator of the other crane, who also collapsed was also admitted at the Narh-Bita Hospital where he was responding to treatment. The sources said the two cranes were performing the normal lifting of heavy iron when they crashed to the ground. Soon after the accident, the workers pleaded with management to suspend work and resume on thursday. Superintendent Angabutoge 3 Awuni, Community One Police District Commander, who confirmed the accident, told the Ghana News Agency that factory inspectors had visited the site and had begun investigations into the accident alongside the police. Management had also invited crane experts to probe the crash. These cranes mounted in Accra could face similar problems hence needs to be attended to. Disasters are not predictable as heavy storms, floods, earthquake, amongst others are not foreseen. When such incidents happen, these cranes could easily fall into the street causing so much damage to properties. Project managers could have adopted the use of other forms of cranes which could have been much safer than the tower cranes but the cost in relation to the task ahead need to be assessed. 1.3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The use plants cannot be eliminated in any construction process and therefore, the usage of these plants must be safe and free from accidents. Cranes, in some case have collapsed for one reason or the other. This research work is therefore aimed to reveal the causes of failure of cranes and their adverse effect especially in urban centers. Objectives of the study however will be g. To prove if really city authorities check the safety of the plant. h. To know if safety regulations with regards to the use of the cranes are enforced i. To ascertain what best type of crane suits a particular construction site. 4 1.4. METHODOLOGY Literatures were reviewed. Purposive and accidental sampling, were used in the administration of questionnaires. Interviews shall also be conducted on the direct users of the plants and some city authorities. Other sources of information for this research work shall be from books, and the internet service. Pedestrians and drivers who move round the site shall also be interviewed to get information on how they feel about the use of overhead cranes on some construction site. 1.5. SCOPE OF STUDY This research was carried on construction sites at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (A.M.A.) especially with regards to the usage of cranes and review safety regulation used by the Metropolis. It was also found out whose responsibility it is to enforce safety regulations with respect to the use of plants on construction sites. This write up shall also relate issues to cases that have happened in other construction sites in other cities outside Ghana. 5 CHAPTER TWO 2.0. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1. INTRODUCTION The main objective of this research work is to come out with suggestions and recommendations that will help improve the management of large plants on construction sites in the Accra metropolis. The chapter presents a review of literature from related topics obtained from various plant management textbooks and the internet. The researcher analysis opinions and viewpoints of authors in order to arrive at a conclusion that will help or guide plant managers and to effectively ensure the safety of their plants on construction sites. This chapter is organized under the following sub topics:  Historical background of construction plants  Construction plants and safety  Construction cranes  Historical background of cranes  Types of cranes  Crane accidents  Crane Safety Guidelines 6 2.2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF CONSTRUCTION PLANTS The use of plants has existed long ago for construction. These plants have evolved in various phases to suit the performance of heavier tasks. Cranes have been used far back as 1850. Scaffolds, bulldozers, transporting trucks, concrete mixers etc. have developed over the years. The 21st century has presented sophisticated plants with bigger operation manuals. This requires that, operators of these plants are well abreast with the plants which they operate. Every year, dozens of workers are reportedly injured when a crane on their job site collapses. Injuries happen not just to the men and women operating the cranes, but also to the workers on the ground, even those who are believed to be a safe distance from the site of the crane work. A number of people die and others get permanent injuries as a result of accidents related to the use of plants on site. (OSHA-USA, 2009) 2.3. CONSTRUCTION PLANTS AND SAFETY Plant includes any appliance, equipment (including scaffolding), machinery, implement or tool or any associated component, fitting or accessory. All well-maintained and properly selected plant can be used safely in the hands of a competent and experienced operator. Operator should be given full details of the job to be done and be made aware of all other relevant factors concerning the material being worked on, the job site and other people and machines around. All plant can be harmful if any of the above criteria are not met. These are also the criteria which apply if you wish to get the best performance from plant. 2.3.1. SAFETY (TIP sheet. Construction Plant And Equipment. T007 - AUGUST 2006) Managers and supervisors must implement measures to minimize the health and safety risks associated with working with plant. 7 Regarding plant, all ready to assemble (RTA) worksites should: a. Identify, then eliminate or control plant-operator-pedestrian interaction. b. Ensure that the system of guarding used is fit for purpose, suitable for the plant and activity, inspected and maintained on a regular basis. c. Provide appropriate plant-pedestrian traffic segregation, and protection barriers where necessary. d. Develop written Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for all interactive tasks involving plant, operators and pedestrians. e. Train all staff who may work with or operate plant in the nature of the hazards involved, the means adopted to control exposure and emergency procedures in place. f. Provide and maintain as far as practicable, the required facilities and systems of work to enable plant to be inspected, maintained, repaired and cleaned. g. Ensure that plant inspections and maintenance are in accordance with manufacturer‟s instructions. h. Ensure that contractors undertaking works for the RTA comply with this procedure and associated guidelines. 2.3.2. HAZARDS Hazards associated with plant include: a. Contact or entanglement with the machinery, or material in motion. b. Being trapped between the machine and any material or fixed structures. c. Being struck by ejected parts of the machinery, or materials ejected from the machinery. d. Release of potential energy. 8 2.3.3. RISK ASSESSMENT (TIP sheet. Construction Plant And Equipment. T007 - AUGUST 2006) A risk assessment must be completed by a technically competent person prior to use of plant for high risk construction work which includes work near vehicular, mobile plant or pedestrian traffic. The risk assessment of tasks involving plant shall comply with the RTA risk management procedure. 2.3.4. RISK CONTROLS (TIP sheet. Construction Plant And Equipment. T007 - AUGUST 2006) The most effective method to control the risk is to eliminate the risk associated with the operating plant. If this is not possible, then reduce (minimize) the risk by working down the following hierarchy of control (use multiple controls where necessary): a. Use plant that is fit for purpose, appropriately guarded, quiet and safe to use and maintain. Such plant should incorporate where applicable, seat belts, horn, reverse/travel alarm, rear vision mirror, ROPS, FOPS, SWL and safety signage, headlights, indicators, amber strobe beacon, emergency stop devices and reflectors. b. Operate the plant remotely. c. Isolate the work area through appropriate plant-pedestrian traffic segregation, and protection barriers (include noise protection barriers and baffles) where necessary. d. Implement administrative controls such as safe work methods (SWMS), rotate staff where practical to reduce operational time and operator fatigue. e. Use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) such as high visibility clothing, hearing and eye protection, protective footwear, helmets etc. but only as a temporary measure or as added protection. 9 2.4. CONSTRUCTION CRANES 2.4.1. HISTORY OF CONSTRUCTION CRANES The commentator who facetiously said that a camel is a horse designed by a committee obviously was not an engineer. Though both animals are beasts of burden, an engineer would certainly have appreciated their operating environments and performance characteristics are in no way alike. He would have recognized that the differences are an inevitable and necessary consequence of disparate places of habitation and work roles. The same commentator might have offered a similar observation about mechanical beasts of burden, such as cranes. Here too, evolution has led to differentiation to fit a variety of tasks and environments. The major differentiation has been between machines for construction versus those for general industry. The dividing line is rather hazy, however. For the most part, industrial machines find application in long-term permanent installations with consistent operating conditions. Construction cranes, on the other hand, are used for work-site assignments that may last from several hours to several years; these machines are likely to be exposed to a broad variety of work assignments and operating conditions. Despite these differences, a surprising number of machine types find extensive application in both construction and industry. (Shapiro and Shapiro, 2011) The problem „how to lift a load‟ is as old as humankind. From the earliest times people have faced this problem and therefore have been dragging and carrying until the invention of the wheel, when carts, which could be driven or pulled, were built. People worked together to lift loads or to move heavy objects. As far back as 1850, cranes were used for shipping processes, construction and several other purposes. These cranes have changed to suit modernization. The modern crane has all the full potential of transporting loads that cannot be carried by the 1850 crane. In 1850 cranes could 10 carry just a few tons of load whiles a typical modern crane is capable of carrying loads ranging from 45 tons to as much as 2000 tons depending on the type of crane in use. (Verschoof, 2002) FIG.2.2.A. Pictorial illustration of the evolutions of cranes in the construction industry 1850 - 1956 (Verschoof 2002) 11 FIG.2.2.B. History of cranes from 1905 to 1936 (Verschoof 2002) 12 2.5. TYPES OF CRANES The 21st century has introduced some special types of cranes designed for special purposes. A crane can be mobile, tower, gantry, revolving, self-erected or mast. Its choice for work depends on the weight of load to be carried and the available site space. 2.5.1. MOBILE CRANES (GENERAL) All cranes mounted on vehicles that can move from one point the to another without dessmantling and reassembling are mobile cranes and they all use the same principles. The self-propelled cranes, the lorry mounted latice jib cranes as well as the lorry mounted cranes are all mobile cranes. There are other mobile cranes used for different purposes apart from constructional activities. (Doran_2004) Cribbing: This serves as a new foot for the truck on which the crane is mounted. This new feet is balanced such that the crane is not tilted to one direction. All load carried by the crane is evenly distributed onto the ground by the cribbing. Clearance: The space allowed from the building to the crane to make easy view by the controller of the crane. 2.5.1.1. ROUGH TERRAIN CRANES As the name implies, these mobile cranes are especially suitable for site work, but generally have only limited mobility on the road. They typically have two sets of duty ratings namely; in the fixed position with outriggers extended and free on- wheels for pick-up and carry operations. The latter is only usable under good level site conditions, despite the name. (Doran_2004) 13 FIG.2.3.B. Rough Terrain Crane (Shapiro and Shapiro, 2011) 2.5.1.2. ALL TERRIANS CRANES These cranes feature the capabilities of both truck cranes and rough terrain cranes. Largecapacity, multi-axle models have high road speed, off-road maneuverability, pick-and-carry ratings, and drive positions in both the chassis-mounted cab and in the operators‟ cab mounted on the rotating superstructure. To achieve maneuverability, these cranes typically have all-axle drive and steering as well as crab steering. Many machines are furnished with sophisticated suspension systems that maintain equalized axle loading on uneven terrain, while the crane is in motion or is static. Outriggers are provided for increasing capacity. Current capacities are available up to 300 tons (272 metric tons), with more models becoming available. (Macdonald et al, 2009) 14 2.5.1.3. TRUCK MOUNTED CRANES These machines can be a universal power unit rigged as a crane or a purpose designed track mounted crane with or without a fly jib attachment. The latter types are usually more powerful with lifting capacities up to 45 tons. Track mounted cranes can travel and carry out lifting operations on most sites without the need for special road and hardstand provisions but they have to be rigged on arrival after being transported to site on a low loader lorry. 2.5.1.4. LORRY MOUNTED CRANES These mobile cranes consist of a lattice or telescopic boom mounted on a specially adapted truck or lorry. They have two operating positions: the lorry being driven from a conventional front cab and the crane being controlled from a different location. The lifting capacity of these cranes can be increased by using outrigger stabilizing jacks and the approach distance to the face of building decreased by using a fly jib. Lorry mounted telescopic cranes require a firm surface from which to operate and because of their short site preparation time they are ideally suited for short hire periods. 2.5.1.5. LORRY MOUNTED LATTICE JIB CRANES These cranes follow the same basic principles as the lorry mounted telescopic cranes but they have a lattice boom and are designed as heavy duty cranes with lifting capacities in excess of 100 tons. These cranes will require a firm level surface from which to operate and can have folding or sectional jibs which will require the crane to be rigged on site before use. (Doran_2004) 15 2.5.1.6. CRAWLER CRANES Crawler cranes are capable of rotating through 360 degrees and have travel speeds ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 mph, depending on the machine‟s size. Their lifting capacities range up to 300 tons, with various boom configurations and base modifications able to increase this considerably. To ensure stability under loading, however, crawler cranes require a wide-track spread. The wider the spread, the greater the crane‟s lifting capacity. However, because track spread is limited by over-the-road restrictions, manufacturers usually provide their machines with hydraulically extendible crawlers. This can increase track spread by as much as 48 inches, providing the stability required for lifting heavier loads. (Macdonald et al, 2009) Although crawler cranes have no leveling mechanism, stability very much depends on their being operated on a level plane. A crawler crane‟s stability further depends on the position from which the load is lifted. When making a lift from the side of a crane, the side fulcrum line is located on the crane rollers that ride on the tracks. Since the tracks are loosely pinned and resting on the ground, the set opposite the tripping fulcrum cannot resist the crane‟s tendency to overturn during a side lift. Thus counterweights are necessary to gain the full capacity of a crawler crane. These are removed for travel, or if the crane must be operated in a narrow configuration. 16 FIG.2.3.H Fig. 2.3.H. An Illustrated labelled crawler crane. (Shapiro and Shapiro 2011) 17 FIGURE 2.3.K. Plan view of a crawler crane showing the position parameters used for clearance calculations when the boom is at an angle to the wall. (From H.I. Shapiro, 1980.) 18 2.5.2. TOWER CRANES 2.5.2.1. GENERAL Tower cranes are structures demanding foundations which must be properly designed according to the criteria for the particular installation. Tower cranes can have either luffing or fixed jibs (hammer head). All tower crane operations are affected by winds; and therefore one needs to acquaint him/herself with the maximum wind-speed with which work is permissible. Wind-speed indicators, with a warning bell, are fitted to most tower cranes, and should be specified for all hired-in cranes. A continuous wind speed recorder can be fitted if required. 2.5.2.1.1. SAFETY Most tower cranes are exposed to the wind pressure and are therefore liable to collapses as compared to the other forms of cranes. In Ghana the operation of tower cranes and ensuring of the compliance of safety regulations are regulated by the respective project managers and contractors who undertake the projects. In the UK, the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) seeks the welfare of all tower crane operators and is therefore circumspect about the safety of workers and their jobs thereof. This facilitated the strategic forum for construction tower crane group to publish a book titled “tower crane working conditions best practice guidance”. In this book, the forum stated the following as responsibilities of tower crane operators in ensuring safety on site: 2.5.2.1.2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF OPERATORS 1. Operate the crane in a correct, safe and efficient manner in accordance with the manufacturer‟s manual 2. Keep the manufacturer‟s manual in the cab at all times 3. Follow all site safety rules 19 4. Carry out basic maintenance duties including pre and post start checks 5. Keep all areas of the crane including the crane cab, walk ways, rest platforms and back jib clear of obstructions and debris 6. Immediately report any breakdown or faults to supervisor 7. Immediately report any health or safety issues including incidents or change in external factors which could affect safe operation 8. Accurately complete all documents such as timesheets, check sheets and training log book. 9. Ensure not under the influence of alcohol or drugs during working hours. 10. Not to operate override keys/limit switches 11. Not to use mobile phones (or other mobile devices) when operating the crane 12. Be competent in authorized communication (e.g. radio) 2.5.2.1.3. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 1. As a minimum, should hold a CTC 3 certificate and be adequately trained for the type of equipment being operated and have sufficient knowledge of the machine and its safety devices. Evidence of training must be provided to the site management. 2. Must be familiar with the controls of the particular crane being operated. This should be confirmed by the provision of record of familiarization training provided by the crane supplier prior to commencing work on site. 3. Should have been trained sufficiently in the mechanics of their machine so as to be able to carry out daily checks and weekly inspections. 4. Should have been trained in the hand-signaling system to be used and, where necessary, in the use of radios for receiving instructions. 5. Should be familiar with the use of any firefighting appliances fitted to the equipment. 20 Should only carry out roles they are trained to undertake and under the direct instruction of an appropriate person. 2.5.2.1.4. SAFETY NOTES FOR THE CRANE OPERATOR Operators should: 1. Be familiar with the emergency procedure and means of escape, where relevant. 2. Attend regular site co-ordination meetings to keep abreast of current activities. 3. Be provided with lifting plan, method statement on the safe operation of the crane. 4. Be familiar with the method and system for inspection and maintenance of the crane and lifting equipment. 5. Be familiar with the crane manufacturers operation and service manuals. 6. Have understanding of the electrical safety procedures. 7. Be aware of the procedures to be adopted in the event of an accident or injury. (The Tower Crane Group_2009) 2.5.2.2. TYPES OF TOWER CRANES 2.5.2.2.1. STATIC TOWER CRANES This is the most common type of tower crane. Carefully consider all the factors affecting its use before deciding on the position for a static tower crane on any site. If possible a tower crane should be tied into a structure. The method of erecting and dismantling this must be agreed with the designer of the permanent structure. Savings can sometimes be made in the size of the crane mast sections. However, modern structural design often precludes this. The base of a fixed tower crane is often dictated by site restrictions. However, in many cases where there is room, a ballasted travelling or cruciform base for a fixed crane is more economic than a fixed base requiring a heavy mass concrete foundation. 21 FIG. 2.3.L Static Tower Crane Foundation under Construction. (Shapiro and Shapiro, 2.5.2.2.2. TRAVELING TOWER CRANES Although crawler bases are available for a few types of tower crane (but not to be confused with crawler cranes in tower configuration), most travelling bases are rail mounted. The track gauge is wide, ranging from 3.8m to 15 m or more to give stability. Tower crane rail track must be laid level, and there can be no exception to this. Large radius curves can be negotiated. Fig. 2.3.2.3 Traveling crane base (Shapiro and Shapiro, 2011) 22 2.5.2.2.3. CLIMBING TOWER CRANES Most tower cranes can be climbed, but the present economics of mobile crane hire for maximum height erection, as against labour for periodic climbing, generally favors immediate maximum working height installation. Internal stairwell/lift-shaft climbing tower cranes are useful in certain cases and can have the advantage of a much shorter jib while still reaching all points of the building. On high-rise work, there can be a considerable saving on mast sections. Any proposal to use this type must be discussed with the engineer responsible for the design of the permanent structure. Fig. 2.3.2.4.A A typical stairwell for a climbing tower crane. (The Tower Crane Group 2009) 2.5.2.2.4. MAST CRANES These are similar in appearance to the familiar tower cranes but they have one major difference in that the mast or tower is mounted on the slewing ring and thus rotates whereas a tower crane has the slewing ring at the top of the tower and therefore only the jib portion rotates. Mast cranes are often mobile, self-erecting, of relatively low lifting capacity and are usually fitted with a luffing jib. A wide variety of models is available and has the advantage over most mobile low pivot cranes of a closer approach to the face of the building. 23 2.5.2.2.5. SELF-ERECTING TOWER CRANE Self-erecting cranes have been around for some decades in Europe, but in the U.S. they have only recently advanced from being an oddity to becoming an important and fast-growing segment of the lifting machine market. Functionally these are tower cranes but deploy like mobile cranes. A typical machine of this type is driven to the construction site and folds out like an origami crane, strangely mimicking the paper version of its bird namesake. When the work is done, it folds up as easily and is hauled away. If a storm is coming, the crane is folded up readily and need not ride it out. The larger of these cranes have maximum lifting capacities of 4 metric tons and can reach 54 m in height. (Shapiro and Shapiro, 2011) A self-erecting crane is pulled to the site and deployed rapidly with a small erection crew. Its base is mounted on outriggers. There may be ballast blocks to impart stability. The telescoping mast, composed of tubular or latticed sections, gives it the ability to operate close to buildings. A larger model may be mounted to an integral truck carrier and have an operating cab that rides up the mast. Nearly all self-erecting cranes are bottom slewing. A crane of this type fits into tight spaces such as a narrow street, alleyway, or courtyard. The saddle jib with an under slung trolley can operate flat or at an inclined angle. This nimble jib can tilt and fold to clear obstacles. The self-erecting concept is generally applied to cranes that service light construction, but there are exceptions, and the future is apt to expand production to heavier applications. One that presently stands apart due to its extraordinary size and capacity is the GTK 1100, a specialty machine developed for wind turbine erection. It can lift 77 tons and reach as high as 140 meters. This model also stands apart from other self-erecting cranes because it requires multiple truck loads to be brought to the site, and it must be assembled. (Shapiro and Shapiro, 2011) 24 Fig. C.2.5. A Self-Erecting Crane at the site of the New Judicial Complex Accra – Ghana 2.5.2.2.6. GANTRY CRANES These are sometimes called portal cranes and consist basically of two `A' frames joined together with a cross member on which transverses the lifting appliance. According to Shapiro and Shapiro (2011), small gantry cranes have up to 10 tons lifting capacity. The `A' frames are usually wheel mounted and manually propelled. The large gantry cranes also have up to 100 tons lifting capacity. The `A' frames are mounted on powered bogies running on 25 rail tracks with the driving cab and lifting gear mounted on the cross beam or gantry. Small gantry cranes are used primarily for loading and offloading activities in stock yards whereas the medium and large gantry cranes are used to straddle the work area such as in power station construction or in repetitive low to medium rise developments. All gantry cranes have the advantage of three direction movement: 1. Transverse by moving along the cross beam. 2. Vertical by raising and lowering the hoist block. 3. Horizontal by forward and reverse movements of the whole gantry crane. 2.5.2.2.7. REVOLVER CRANES These are a series of large latticed boom cranes that resemble mobile-crane superstructures, available in capacities of 4200 tons (3800 t) or more. They are often barge-mounted or shipmounted, but when portal, pedestal, or tower mounted, they are used at such places as dam construction sites and shipyards. Many can be seen in fabricating yards preparing deep-sea drilling platforms and other facilities for oil exploration and extraction. (Shapiro and Shapiro 2011) 2.6. CRANE ACCIDENTS 2.6.1. CAUSES Globally, annually, dozens of workers are reportedly injured when a crane on their job site collapses. Injuries happen not just to the men and women operating the cranes, but also to the workers on the ground, even those who are believed to be a safe distance from the site of the crane work. Most crane accidents involving a collapse happen with the crane boom breaks or malfunctions. Occupational Health and Safety reports has it that 8% of all crane incidents are cause by the boom on a crane buckling or collapsing; this is the leading cause of crane 26 accidents after electrocution and problems during crane assembly or disassembly. Unfortunately, many times, these boom collapse-related injuries and deaths could have been prevented. The boom is the arm of a crane, and for many, this is the most recognizable feature of a crane. Not all cranes have booms, but in the construction industry, and even in most factories, there is usually at least one crane with a boom on site. Cranes without booms, such as those on tracks or floor supports that work overhead can also collapse if not used properly. One of the biggest reasons that a boom collapses is improper blocking. Also known as “cribbing,” and is the use of wood or metal supports to stabilize and balance loads that are lifted off of the ground. Blocking is extremely important, especially with latticework booms. Without blocking, the unbalanced load will shift and move unpredictably, which in and of it are dangers. If the load gains momentum and twists or swings, the boom may not be able to withstand the movement and can collapse. A boom can also collapse if the load being picked up is too large. All cranes have weight limits. While it is the responsibility of the crane operator to track load weight, it is also the responsibility of the employer to train crane operators on proper load maximum weights. The load weight is typically most important for making sure that the crane doesn‟t tip over. Cranes use counterweight and out-rigging systems to ensure that the crane‟s weight is balanced. If the maximum weight is exceeded, it is most likely that the crane will tip over before the crane‟s boom will collapse (both are dangerous situations). Thus, some workers or employers add additional weight to cranes to prevent tipping over while exceeding the maximum weight limits. This is extremely dangerous. A crane is only meant to withstand a certain amount of weight, and if you attempt to pick up more, the boom could collapse, even if you use excess counterweight to prevent tipping over. Always verify weights and listen to 27 overload indicators to ensure that you are staying within a safe range for the crane you are using. Mobile cranes have the tendencies of overturning when blocking/cribbing is improperly done, design loads being exceeded and wind pressure becoming excessive while crane is working. The entire lorry/truck on which the crane is mounted overturns in the process. 2.6.2. CRANE ACCIDENT RECORDS Lambeck and Eschemuller, 2009 published that, on March 15, 2008, a crane collapsed in a densely populated neighborhood of New York City killing seven people of which five were from the crane rigging company, one being the crane operator, and the other was a woman staying in one of the buildings that was hit by the crane‟s tower). The collapse occurred when the riggers were jumping the tower crane and placing the support collar onto the building structure. The collar broke away from the riggers (supposedly due to a faulty $50 nylon sling), slid down the crane‟s support tower, and caused the other support collars to break away from the building. The tower crane became unstable and fell onto several apartment buildings just south of where the original construction was taking place. Exhibit 2.4.A shows part of the crane that fell onto a building. The crane‟s collapse caused the death of 7 people and injury to an additional 25 people. In addition, a high-density urban area (affecting 300 apartments) was shut down several months, affecting businesses and preventing residents from occupying their apartments. (Lambeck and Eschemuller, 2009) The filing of lawsuits, loss of business, fines, and the project being shut down are just some of the adverse secondary losses that have occurred with the crane‟s collapse. 28 EXH.2.4.A. EXHIBIT 2.4.A. Lambeck and Eschemuller 2009 According to Lambeck and Eschemuller (2009), on May 30, 2008, another crane accident occurred in New York City, which killed the crane operator and another worker on the ground. Initial indications were that mechanical failure occurred at the turntable below the cab, which caused the cab to fall from the mast and land on a busy New York City street. The falling cab and boom caused extensive damage to several apartment buildings surrounding the construction site. As in the March 15, 2008 incident, not only is a construction project stopped but also a dense urban neighborhood is being adversely affected. The New York City Department of Buildings issued a stop work order to all construction sites using jumping cranes. Shapiro and Shapiro, 2011 published that in 2002, two tower cranes toppled from the 60th floor of a steel frame building under construction in Taipei, Taiwan, during a severe earthquake. The failures were not caused directly by the earthquake, but rather by the cranes oscillating in resonance with the building. 29 According to Lambeck and Eschemuller (2009), on March 24, 2008, another crane collapsed in Miami Beach, Florida and caused two deaths and five injuries. This collapse seems to have been caused by heavy winds. It is presumed that the riggers were rushing to jump the crane after several days of delays caused by high winds. With the number of cranes operating in major urban centers, it behooves all project managers (PM) to review and evaluate the safety requirements, rigging equipment used, connections inspected, and operator certification for the cranes. Just as the crane collapses in New York City on March 15, 2008 and May 30, 2008 caused several deaths and extensive damage to dense neighborhoods, additional and more extensive safety care has to be exercised by all participating members of the construction process in an urban environment. 2.6.3. CRANE SAFETY GUIDELINES Significant and serious injuries may occur if cranes are not inspected before use and not used properly. Often these injuries occur when a worker is struck by an overhead load or caught within the crane‟s swing radius. Many crane fatalities occur when the boom of a crane or its load line contact an overhead power line. 1. Check all crane controls to ensure proper operation before use. 2. Inspect wire rope, chains, and hook for any damage. 3. Know the weight of the load the crane is to lift. 4. Ensure that the load does not exceed the crane‟s rated capacity. 5. Raise the load a few meters to verify balance and the effectiveness of the brake system. 6. Check all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist ropes or chains around the load. 7. Do not move a load over workers. 8. Fully extend outriggers and make sure crane outriggers are extended when required. 30 9. Watch for overhead electrical distribution and transmission lines, and maintain a safe working clearance of at least 4 meters from energized electrical lines 10. Make sure the upper rotating structure supporting the boom and materials being handled are provided with an electrical ground while working near energized transmitter towers. 11. Post and make visible to the operator the rated load capacities, operating speed, and instructions. 12. Make sure cranes are equipped with a load chart, and that operators understand and use the load chart. 13. Make sure the operator can determine the angle and length of the crane boom at all times. 14. Make sure crane machinery and other rigging equipment is inspected daily prior to use to ensure that it is in good condition. 15. Barricade accessible areas within the crane‟s swing radius. 16. Use tag lines to prevent dangerous swing or spin of materials when raised or lowered by a crane or derrick. 17. Post illustrations of hand signals to crane and derrick operators on the job site. 18. Make sure the signal person uses correct signals for the crane operator to follow. 19. Remove broken, worn, or damaged wire rope from service. 20. Make sure load testing reports/certifications are available. 21. Make sure tower crane mast bolts are properly torqued to the manufacturer‟s specifications. 22. Make sure overload limits are tested and correctly set. 23. Post the maximum acceptable load and the last test results on the crane. 31 24. Make sure periodic inspections of all hoisting and rigging equipment are performed; and the reports are initialed and maintained. 25. Allow only properly trained and qualified operators to work with hoisting and rigging equipment. 26. Make sure crane outriggers are extended when required. 27. Make sure crane platforms and walkways have antiskid surfaces. 28. Provide guardrails, handholds, and steps for safe and easy access to and from all areas of the crane. 29. Post the maximum acceptable load and the last test results on the crane. 30. Make sure annual inspections of all hoisting and rigging equipment are performed; and the reports are initialed and maintained. 32 CHAPTER THREE 3.0. METHODOLOGY 3.1. INTRODUCTION This chapter of the research works deals with the method used in meeting the desired objectives of the study. It highlights how the research works was designed and the method of data collection and analysis. This section help to know the implication of the research study and the effort being put in place to ensure that aims and objectives will be achieved. 3.2. THE STUDY AREA The study was conducted in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (The largest city in Ghana). It is where most business activities take place i.e. trading, commerce and construction. It is the capital city of Ghana where most large construction sites on going and use cranes for construction works yet the smallest of the 10 administrative regions in terms of area (3245 square kilometers). The region is divided into five districts namely; Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Tema Municipal Area, Ga East District, Ga West District, Dangme West and Dangme East District. It is therefore imperative and not worthy that, the findings of this study would be a true reflection of what is happening across the country. 3.3. SAMPLING PROCEDURE AND POPULATION OF THE STUDY Purposive sampling and Accidental sampling were adopted for the research. These sampling methods aided in the selection of specific sites which suited or were of great importance in realizing the objects of this research work. 33 3.3.1. ACCIDENTAL SAMPLING Accidental sampling (sometimes known as grab, convenience sampling or opportunity sampling) is a type of nonprobability sampling which involves the sample being drawn from that part of the population which is close to hand. That is, a sample population selected because it is readily available and convenient. The researcher using such a sample cannot scientifically make generalizations about the total population from this sample because it would not be representative enough. (Eleanor et al. 1997) The researcher‟s selection of samples though unguided was also not random. The researcher used the correct definition of everyone in the population having equal chance of being selected; Crane Operators, City Engineers and Project Managers and also based on the fact that these persons were directly involved in the subject matter of the research. 3.3.2. PURPOSIVE SAMPLING A purposive sample is a non-representative subset of some larger population, and is constructed to serve a very specific need or purpose. A researcher may have a specific group in mind, such as high level business executives. It may not be possible to specify the population - they would not all be known, and access will be difficult. The researcher will attempt to zero in on the target group, interviewing whoever is available. (psychology.ucdavis.edu/sommerb/sommerdemo/sampling/types.htm) Selected construction sites in the metropolis are not a representative of the larger population of construction sites involved in the use of cranes in urban centers. The selection was based on how close they were to major streets and public areas. It was not possible to specify the population, however the purposive sampling technique enabled the study to be undertaken on five construction sites where cranes and other stationary construction plants are used and whose site situations were life threatening and possess a major risk to the city. 34 3.3.3. POPULATION OF STUDY The study engaged a total of twenty one persons out of which     1 was a Safety Officer 14 were Crane Operators 4 were Project Managers 2 were City Authorities Table. 3.3.3. Statistics of personalities engaged for the study S/N 1. 2. COMPANY/ PROJECT SITE SAFETY CRANE PROJECT TITLE LOCATION OFFICERS OPERATORS MANAGERS Dream Realty Construction Kimbu Company – The Octagon Gardens M. Babbisotti and Sons – La 0 4 1 Labadi, Accra 1 6 0 Trasacco Estate Development Airport City, 0 1 1 Company – Villagio Vista Accra 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 14 4 Beach Towers 3. 4. Chinese construction Company – Airport City, New Foreign Affairs Ministry Accra Building 5. Accra Polo Heights Building Airport City, Accra Total 6. Accra Metropolitan Assembly City Authority – 2 = 9.52% 35 7 6 5 4 Crane Operator 3 Project Managers Safety Officers 2 1 0 M. Babbisotti Dream Realty Chinese and Sons Construction T.E.D.C. (Villagio Vista) Accra PoloHeight Figure. 3.3.3. Respondents 3.4. RESEARCH DESIGN The following procedures were used in carrying out the research.  A research was made into the types of cranes available and suitable locations and conditions for use.   Questionnaires were sent out to construction sites, Contractors and crane operators Personal interviews were conducted for stakeholders to enable respondents to contribute to the research work.  Finally personal observations were made to ascertain useful information and to acquaint with realities on the ground. 36 3.5. TYPES OF DATA AND INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION A well administered questionnaire and interview schedule were used in collecting primary data for the research. Secondary data were also extracted from documented facts and the World Wide Web (Internet) 3.6. METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION The research was engaged with three enumerators who were trained for the exercise or the collection of primary data. 3.7. LIMITATIONS OR CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED IN DATA COLLECTION During the distribution of questionnaires to project managers / safety officers, some of them were reluctant to respond however, after managers had a full conviction about the purpose of the research, they accepted to respond to some questions. It was also difficult to interact with crane operators because they were always busy anytime a visit was made to the sites. In view of these, the researcher had to leave the questionnaires in the care of safety officers or project managers. At the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, it was also very difficult to identify and know particularly persons responsible to respond to questions. On one of the sites visited, it was very difficult to communicate to project managers because the only language they could speak was Chinese. The researcher had to search further to get a Chinese interpreter to aid the collection of information this survey. 37 CHAPTER FOUR 4.0. DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 4.1. INTRODUCTION This chapter presents the results, analysis, discussions and findings of the data collected. Analysis of responses was done according to the research objectives. This chapter established if really project managers ensure best practices in the use of cranes for their construction projects. It also proves if really city authorities checked the safety of cranes on the construction site in the dense neighborhood of these construction sites. Simple percentages and charts were used for the analysis. 4.2. DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES Respondents of the survey represented companies undertaking construction activities in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and some persons representing the Accra Metropolis. A total of seventeen (17) respondents from three out of five companies and the Accra Metropolis representing 80.95% response rate were received and used in the analysis. Figure.4.2. RESPONDENTS / NON RESPONDENTS RELATION Total Number of Non Respondents Total Number of Respondents 38 4.3. PRESENTATION OF RESPONSES FROM CITY AUTHORITIES There were two respondents from the Department of Works of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly representing 100 percent response rate on administered questionnaires. These representatives of the City‟s department of works are educated technocrats. One is a civil engineer whereas the other is a building technologist. Table 4.2. Responses from City Authorities S/N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % Awareness of city authorities of crane Yes 2 100 usage on selected project sites No 0 0 Safety regulations Yes 2 100 No 0 0 Yes 0 0 No 2 100 Awareness of threats posed by tower Yes 0 0 cranes in city No 2 100 Queries from other construction expects Yes 0 0 No 2 100 Yes 2 100 No 0 0 Cranes security Pedestrians and motorist safety Minimum required Education of crane None 100 operators 8. Classes of contractors allowed to use D1K1, D2K2 100 cranes 9. Training of crane operators 10. City authorities‟ involvement in training 39 Yes 2 100 No 0 0 Yes 0 0 No 2 100 In addition to survey findings from city authorities, metropolitan authorities were supposed to take responsibility of checking the safety set up of all cranes mounted in the city but have not done so for the trust they have in the various contractors who operate their sites In making sure crane accidents do not cause severe adversities, efforts were made in the past to bring into being a department that shall take responsibility of checking cranes; however, efforts were thwarted for political reasons and also based on the fact that, that department was going to be privatized. Based on the above, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly had several works to do as far as the safety checks of cranes were a concern but authorities had simply neglected that role because there is no legal backing to that effect; - A bill is waiting in parliament to be passed on Occupational Health and Safety. This gives the indication that until the bill is passed into law, the Metropolitan Assembly shall remain inactive in occupational health and safety. As to the qualification for crane operators, it was realized that, crane owners had no specific qualification for operators rather; they trained persons who assisted operators in discharging duties and all other persons who had the courage to operate cranes. Banks men were the most of people who venture crane operations. It was also known that D1 K1 and D2 K2 contractors were the only class of contractors allowed to operate cranes in the city. Since complex projects with large volume of works are undertaken by these firms. 40 4.4. PRESENTATION OF RESPONSE FROM PROJECT MANAGEMENT / SAFETY OFFICERS The following are the list of sites attended sites and their corresponding number of respondents (Project Management and Safety Officer) representing 100 percent response rate on administered questionnaires 1. La Beach Towers - 01 2. Dream Realty Constructions - 01 3. New Foreign Affairs Building Project - 01 - 03 Total Table 4.3. Responses from project managers/safety officers S/N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. RESPONSE PRECENTAGE % Construction project managers owned Yes 2 66.67 plants used No 1 33.33 sites operated cranes Yes 3 100 No 0 0 Yes 3 66.67 No 0 0 Yes 3 100 No 0 0 Plant insurance Operators‟ insurance Education level of Crane Operators Junior Secondary Senior secondary Construction Technician Course N.V.T.I. H.N.D. BSc. 6. Operators‟ experience 7. 0 to 3 years 4 to 6 years Operators‟ training 41 1 0 0 2 0 0 33.33 0 0 66.67 0 0 1 2 Yes 3 33.33 66.67 100 No 0 0 8. 9. Operators‟ application of training on job Yes 3 100 No 0 0 Awareness of regulations on the use of Yes 1 33.33 cranes No 2 66.67 Yes 3 33.33 No 0 0 10. Safety precautions 11. Frequent crane security/safety check 1 to 5 weeks 5 to 10 weeks 11 to 15 weeks 3 0 0 100 0 0 3 0 0 100 0 0 12. Frequent visits to site by city authorities 1 to 5 weeks 5 to 10 weeks 11 to 15 weeks 13. Crane safety regulations 14. Awareness of threats of cranes 15. Queries from other construction expects Yes 2 66.67 No 1 33.33 Yes 2 66.67 No 1 33.33 Yes 0 0 No 3 100 2 1 Yes 3 66.67 33.33 100 No 0 0 Yes 3 100 No 0 0 Yes 0 0 No 3 100 16. Intended duration of cranes on site 1 to 3 years 4 to 6 years 17. Pedestrian safety 18. Alternate cranes 19. Safety of alternate cranes On all the three sites visited, there was only one site which had a Safety Officer. This gives an indication that, issues of safety and health is not given proper attention on our various construction sites in the city. 42 It was also realized that, most construction project managers managed cranes owned by their companies; these cranes as well as their operators were insured against accidents. These operators had very little formal education, however had an average of 4 to 6 years of experiences. Moreover, these operators had frequent training on their jobs. Trainings received were applied on their jobs to enhance efficiency and conform to modernization in the industry. These trainings is perceived to have saved the city from a lot of challenges. The National Building Regulation 1996 (L.I. 1630) needed a review since it did not contain regulations for the use of cranes in urban construction. Finally, project managers for a good record of their operations have managed to frequently check the safe set up of their cranes to avoid possible accidents. Project managers also admitted to the fact that, their projects could use other cranes for operation; - telescopic tower cranes, mobile and self-erected tower cranes were listed as examples of alternate cranes. 43 4.5. PRESENTATION OF RESPONSES FROM CRANE OPERATORS The following are the list of sites attended and their corresponding number of respondents (Crane Operators)  La Beach Towers - 06  Dream Realty Constructions - 04  New Foreign Affairs Building Project - 02 The twelve (12) crane operators shall constitute the total 100 percent. Formula for calculating for percentage of answers shall be number of respondents x 100 12 FIGURE. 4.5. - CRANE OPERATORS 2 M. Babbisotti and Sons 6 Dream Realty 4 China Construction Table 4.4. Responses from crane operators S/N 1. Cranes operated 2. Mobile crane Tower crane How crane operation was RESPONSE PERCENTAGE % 2 10 16.67 83.33 2 8 2 16.67 66.67 16.67 learnt Training and education Mentorship Site Experience 44 3. Duration of crane operation 4. 1 to 3 years 4 to 6 years 7 years and above Operators who have 3 9 0 Yes 2 25 75 0 16.67 experienced accidents No 10 83.33 5. Causes of crane accident Strong wind Site Congestion 2 2 100 100 Response to this question is based on the number of (Yes) response from statement 4. The two respondents shall represent a 100 percent response. 6. 7. Availability of crane safety Yes 11 91.67 precautions No 1 8.33 Frequent Safety and security check of cranes 8. 1 to 5 weeks 6 to 10 weeks 11 to 15 weeks Frequent visits by city 8 2 2 66.67 16.67 16.67 1 to 5 weeks 6 to 10 weeks 11 to 15 weeks Awareness of precautions from 0 0 2 Yes 3 0 0 16.67 25 city authorities No 9 75 Yes 7 58.33 No 5 41.67 Yes 0 0 No 12 100 authorities to site 9. 10. Cranes pose risks to pedestrians and motorists 11. Queries from other construction expects 12. Crane operations is based on Education Experience 13. Years of experience 2 10 16.67 83.33 0 to 3 years 4 to 6 years 7 years and above 14. Frequency of training 5 7 0 41.67 58.33 0 Weekly Fortnightly 5 2 41.67 16.67 45 Monthly Annually 15. Ability to apply training on job 16. Alternate cranes 5 0 Yes 12 41.67 0 100 No 0 0 Yes 12 100 No 0 0 Analysis of the survey reveals that, all crane operators had very little formal education. These operators operated their plants with experiences from them being mentored by some other crane operators‟ whiles they were banks men. Some Operators narrated in a one-to-one chart how they had to learn the operation of the plant the hard way from their Chinese employers. An operator recounted his experience when on May 19th, 2012, a strong wind caused the boom of a tower crane he was operating to swing uncontrollably and hit an electricity power line causing a bucket of concrete to spill over. The boom of the concrete falling on the power lines caused a complete blackout in some neighboring communities. Another also recounted an accident involving the booms of two tower cranes crashing on the restricted site which caused work to halt for some time. The two cranes were of the same heights and were operational at the same time when the incident happened. These operators though had site safety meetings every two weeks, encounted these accidents. The accident was caused by forces beyond their powers (force majore – Act of God) 46 CHAPTER FIVE 5.0. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1. INTRODUCTION Crane accidents could have serious economic impact on the construction projects and the industry as a whole. The cost of reconstruction and compensations to affected individuals can cost several millions of money as a result of one crane collapse. Tower cranes collapse causes the worst damage to any other crane in the construction industry. It is however necessary, that tower crane operators take all the necessary precautions, adhering to strict instructions in the operation of tower cranes. Appendices C1 and D1 illustrates the devastation levels that mobile cranes and tower cranes could cause as a result of their accidents. 5.2. CONCLUSION Cranes vary and based on their variations, they perform several functions with regards to their lifting capacities. If a particular crane does not suit some conditions, it should be changed for the appropriate types which shall suit all related regulations. Furthermore, it should not be overlooked or ignored for reasons of selfish interest to construction companies. The use of cranes for construction activities shall continue so long as the city is still developing and is seeing the construction of new high rise buildings. This calls for strict enforcement of regulations necessary for checking safety in the operation of the plant. The leadership of Ghana must change from reacting to incidence and focus on creating an environment which shall discourage the occurrences of such incidence since they have direct or indirect economic loss to the country. 47 5.3. RECOMMENDATION Based on analysis of findings and conclusion of previous chapters of this research work the following were drawn for consideration and implementation. 5.3.1. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS (GHANA) The Bill on Occupational Health and Safety should be passed quickly to check the safe use of the plant especially when high-rise buildings are springing up in the cities of this country. In the interim, the City Authorities should start with checks on the safe use of the plant with authoritative backings from persons who matter as far as the construction industry in Ghana is concerned. 5.3.2. CRANE SAFETY Crane operators should strictly adhere to safety principles learnt from workshops and training sessions; with a minimum qualification of Construction Technician Course [CTC] III, crane operators should be examined periodically for the use of the plant. This will ensure that, operators are able to read and understand from manuals and apply what is learnt on the job. With the continuous up springing of high rise buildings in locations where population is dense and area near to streets, the self-erecting/telescopic cranes should be encouraged for used since it has the potential of performing roles that are performed by other tower cranes. 48 5.3.3. SAFETY PERSONNEL To every construction site where major building projects are being undertaken, there should be safety officers who are Ghanaians. The Trades Union Congress of Ghana has an active role in checking safety of workers on construction sites; the researcher is of the view that crane operators with the support of the G.T.U.C should form a group that will bring Crane operators together to pursue common interests. 49 REFERENCES 1. Richard LAMBECK P.E., John ESCHEMULLER P.E. (2009) – Urban Construction Project Management. McGraw-Hill Construction series. Page 102 – 103. 2. The Tower Crane Group – Tower Crane Working Conditions Best Practice Guidance. Strategic forum for construction. Page 1 - 2 3. David DORAN (2004) – Site Engineers Manual. Whittles publishing, Page 41 – 46. 4. Frank J. G. et al (2007) – Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology;-Use of a Large Crane for Wind and Tracer Profiles in an Urban Setting. American Metrological Society. Pages 1750 – 1756. 5. MACDONALD J. A. et al. (2009) – Handbook for Rigging Fifth Edition. McGrawHill Construction series. Page 457 - 465 6. Lawrence K. SHAPIRO and Jay P. SHAPIRO (2011) – Cranes and Derricks Forth Edition . McGraw-Hill Construction series. 7. Ing. J. Verschoof (2002) – CRANES – Design, Practice and Management Second Edition. Professional Engineering Publishing Limited. Page 1 – 16 8. Boxill et al (1997) – Introduction to Social research With Applications to the Caribbean. University of the West Indies Press. Page 36. 9. Larry Lam and Soon Chong Tok (2007) – Crane Accidents and Emergencies Causes, Repairs and Prevention. Porqtek International Limited 10. OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2007) – Tip sheet, construction plants and equipment. RTA Page 1 – 2. 11. New Jersey Fatality Assessment And Control Evaluation Project (FACE05 –NJ-099) (2009) Crane Failure Kills Workers At Scrap Metal Recycling Yard 12. National Building Regulation 1996 (L.I. 1630). Assembly Press of Ghana. 13. Peace FM Online, 10th October, 2002. http://www.peacefmonline.com 50 APPENDIX A A Telescopic self-erected tower crane used by the EnergoProjekt for the construction of the New Judicial Complex in Accra – Ghana 51 APPENDIX B1 A tower crane mounted on the sites of the Octagon Building Project, facing the Novotel Accra Hotel, Kimbu Garden – Accra APPENDIX B2 A tower crane mounted on the Octagon Building project, facing the Kimbu Secondary Technical School, Kimbu – Accra 52 APPENDIX C1 A Collapsed Mobile Crane Destroying a part of a Chapel in the United State of America – USA APPENDIX C2 A Tower Crane with a collapsed Boom 53 APPENDIX D1 A collapsed tower crane destroying an Office Building APPENDIX D2 An overturned mobile crane 54 APPENDIX E ACCRA POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY PROJECT WORK (BUT 314) NAME OF STUDENT: OFORI MICHAEL KUMI INDEX NUMBER: 01093517D PROGRAMME: HND BUILDING TECHNOLOGY I (OFORI MICHAEL KUMI) am a final year student of Accra polytechnic offering Higher National Diploma in building technology. Project work forms part of the academic program, and project is titled: SAFETY OF LARGE STATIONARY CONSTRUCTION PLANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN URBAN CENTRES CASE STUDY: CRANE USAGE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE ACCRA METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY, GREATER ACCRA REGION. I would be grateful if you can contribute to the success of the objective of this project work by answering these questionnaires. Please be assured that, all the data collected are purely for academic purposes and would be put to that use only. Information given will be observed confidentially. CLASS OF FIRM: …………...………………………………..……………………………………... PROJECT UNDERTAKING: ……………...………………………………...……………….…….. LOCATION OF PROJECT: …………………….……………………………...…………………... 55 PROJECT MANAGERS / SAFETY OFFICERS Please tick [√ ] where appropriate. You are allowed to add supplementary sheets where necessary. SECTION ONE – CRANE AND OPERATIONS 1. Do you own all the plants you use? Yes [ ] No [ ] 2. Do you manage the operation of large plants like, Cranes? Yes [ ] No [ ] 3. Have you insured your plants? Yes [ ] No [ ] 4. Have you insured your crane operators? Yes [ ] No [ ] 5. What is the educational qualification of your crane operators? Construction Technician Course III [ ] Higher National Diploma [ ] First Degree [ ] Others [ ] please specify ……………………………………………………………………. 6. How many years of experience do your operators have in operating cranes ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7. Do you give your crane operators training on crane operation techniques Yes [ ] No [ ] If Yes, how often? …………………………………………………………………………...…… 8. Are operators able to apply skills acquired from training on the job? Yes [ ] No [ ] 56 SECTION TWO - CRANE SAFETY 9. Are you aware of regulatory documents in the city with regards to the use of cranes? Yes [ ] No [ ] 10. Do you have all the safety precautions in place to prevent adversity in case of accidents caused by large plants on your site? Yes [ ] No [ ] If yes, please list a few of the precautions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11. How often do you check the safe set up and security of your cranes? 01 to 05 weeks [ ] 06 to 10 weeks [ ] 11 to 15 weeks [ ] Others [ ] Please specify: ………..…………………………………………………………. 12. How often do city engineers visit your site to check the safety of your cranes? Yes [ ] No [ ] If Yes, how often? 1 to 5 weeks [ ] 6 to 10 weeks Others [ ] Please specify: [ ] 11 to 15 weeks [ ………..…………………………………………………………. 13. Are you aware of any regulations from the city authorities with respect to the mounting of cranes in heavily populated areas? Yes [ ] No [ ] 57 ] 14. Are you aware of the threats your cranes pose to the city? Yes [ ] No [ ] 15. Have you received any queries from other construction expects as to how and where your cranes are mounted? Yes [ ] No [ ] a. If yes what were the queries? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ..…………………………………………………………………..………………………….……… …………………………………………………………………………..…………………………... b. What answers did you have for the queries you received? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16. How long do you intend to use the cranes on your site? ….…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17. What safety measures have been put together for your operatives, pedestrians and motorists who move by your sites as far as their motorability safety is concerned with regards to the position of your cranes. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 58 SECTION THREE – OTHER ALTERNATIVES 18. Are there other cranes that could be used other than what you have on site, with regards to the space available on your site and the location of your site? Yes [ ] No [ ] If yes, what could be the other alternative? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19. Will the other alternatives more safe for use as compared to the previous choice of cranes? Yes [ ] No [ ] Please add any information that might be relevant to this research work 59 APPENDIX F ACCRA POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY PROJECT WORK (BUT 314) NAME OF STUDENT: OFORI MICHAEL KUMI INDEX NUMBER: 01093517D PROGRAMME: HND BUILDING TECHNOLOGY I (OFORI MICHAEL KUMI) am a final year student of Accra polytechnic offering Higher National Diploma in building technology. Project work forms part of the academic program, and project is titled: SAFETY OF LARGE STATIONARY CONSTRUCTION PLANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN URBAN CENTRES CASE STUDY: CRANE USAGE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE ACCRA METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY, GREATER ACCRA REGION. I would be grateful if you can contribute to the success of the objective of this project work by answering these questionnaires. Please be assured that, all the data collected are purely for academic purposes and would be put to that use only. Information given will be observed confidentially. NAME OF RESPONDENT: …………...……………………..……………………………………... ADDRESS: ……………………………………….…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………..…………………………………………………… 60 ACCRA METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY (CITY ENGINEERS) Please tick [√ ] where appropriate. You are allowed to add supplementary sheets where necessary. SECTION ONE - CRANE SAFETY 1. Are you aware of the use of cranes on the following projects in the following parts of the city? a. Kimbu Garden (the Octagon building) Yes [ ] No [ ] b. Labadi (La Beach Towers) Yes [ ] No [ ] c. Airport City (Accra polo heights) Yes [ ] No [ ] d. Ridge, (Ghana Shippers council Building project) Yes [ ] No [ ] e. Tetteh Quarshie Interchange area (Villagio Vista) Yes [ ] No [ ] 2. Do you have safety regulations in place to check the use of cranes in the city? Yes [ ] No [ ] 3. Do city engineers check the safe set up and security of cranes used by contractors in the city? If yes How often? Yes [ ] No [ ] 01 to 05 weeks [ ] 06 to 10 weeks [ ] 11 to 15 weeks [ ] Others [ ] Please specify: ………..…………………………………………………………. 4. Are you aware of the threats tower cranes pose to those parts of the city listed under question one above? Yes [ ] No [ ] 61 5. In what way have you reacted to these threats? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6. Have you received any queries from other construction expects as to how and where cranes are mounted in the city? Yes [ ] No [ ] a. If yes what were the queries? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… b. What answers did you have for the queries you received? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7. What safety measures have been put together for pedestrians and motorists who move by the sites where these cranes are used? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 62 SECTION TWO – TRAINING AND EDUCATION 8. What is the minimum qualification one needs to operate a crane? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9. What class (es) of construction firm(s) is/are allowed using cranes on site? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………...…………………………………………………………………………………………… 10. Are you aware of training received by operator for the operation of cranes? Yes [ ] No [ ] If Yes do city engineers attend those training sessions for quality assurance? Yes [ ] No [ ] If Yes, at the training sessions, what are the contributions of city engineers in ensuring quality training and education? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 63 APPENDIX G ACCRA POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY PROJECT WORK (BUT 314) NAME OF STUDENT: OFORI MICHAEL KUMI INDEX NUMBER: 01093517D PROGRAMME: HND BUILDING TECHNOLOGY I (OFORI MICHAEL KUMI) am a final year student of Accra polytechnic offering Higher National Diploma in building technology. Project work forms part of the academic program, and project is titled: SAFETY OF LARGE STATIONARY CONSTRUCTION PLANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN URBAN CENTRES CASE STUDY: CRANE USAGE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE ACCRA METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY, GREATER ACCRA REGION. I would be grateful if you can contribute to the success of the objective of this project work by answering these questionnaires. Please be assured that, all the data collected are purely for academic purposes and would be put to that use only. Information given will be observed confidentially. CLASS OF FIRM: ………………...…………………………..……………………………………... LOCATION OF PROJECT: …………………….……………………………...…………………... 64 CRANE OPERATORS Please tick [√ ] where appropriate. You are allowed to add supplementary sheets where necessary. SECTION ONE - CRANE SAFETY AND OPERATIONS 1. What type of cranes do you operate? Tower crane [ ] Mobile crane [ ] Others [ ] Please specify …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2. How did you learn how to operate a crane? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3. How long have you operated cranes? ………………………………………………………………………………….……………………… 4. Have you experienced accidents in operating a crane? Accident in this case could be one you have seen on the side of another operator or one that you have personally experienced Yes [ ] No [ ] If Yes, what caused the accident? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 65 5. What were some of the major causes of crane accidents you have experienced? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6. Do you have all the safety precautions in place to prevent adversity in case of accidents caused by cranes on your site? Yes [ ] No [ ] If yes, please list a few of the precautions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7. How often do you check the safe set up and security of your cranes? 01 to 05 weeks [ ] 06 to 10 weeks [ ] 11 to 15 weeks [ ] Others [ ] Please specify: ………..…………………………………………………………. 8. How often do city engineers visit your site to check the safety of your cranes? Yes [ ] No [ ] If Yes, how often? 1 to 5 weeks [ ] 6 to 10 weeks [ ] 11 to 15 weeks [ ] Others [ ] Please specify: ………..…………………………………………………………. 66 9. Are you aware of any regulations from the city authorities with respect to the mounting of cranes in heavily populated areas? Yes [ ] No [ ] 10. Do you sometimes feel your crane poses some dangerous risks to pedestrians and motorists? Yes [ ] No [ ] 11. Have you received any queries from other construction expects as to how and where your cranes are mounted? Yes [ ] No [ ] a. If yes what were the queries? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ..…………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………...…………………………………………………………………………………………… b. What answers did you have for the queries you received? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… SECTION TWO – TRAINING AND EDUCATION 12. Do you operate the cranes based on your experience or on education received on how to safely operate a crane? Education [ ] Experience [ ] What is your level of education? …………………..………………………………………… 67 13. How many years of experience do you have in the operating of cranes? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14. How often do receive training in operating cranes? Weekly [ ] Monthly [ ] Annually [ ] Others [ ] please specify: ……………………………………………………… 15. Do you apply what you have learnt on the jobs you handle? Yes [ ] No [ ] If No state reason(s) ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… SECTION THREE – OTHER ALTERNATIVES 16. Do you believe other cranes could perform the same tasks you are handling with the cranes you are currently operating? Yes [ ] No [ ] If Yes, What cranes would that be? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………..…………..…………………………………………………………… 68