Safety starts before the lift
Following the Albury crane incident, EWP Australia director Samuel Ho spoke with ABC News about rated lifting gear, rigging controls and the responsibility to protect workers on every lift. Here is our original perspective on what that means for equipment owners, contractors and site teams.
This is original commentary from EWP Australia. ABC News is an independent publication; read the original coverage at the link above.
A controlled lift begins before the load moves
The equipment, the setup and the people around a lift all form part of the safety picture. A reliable process makes those decisions visible before the work begins.
Use rated equipment
The equipment and lifting accessories need to be suitable for the task, the load and the conditions. Rated capacity is not a detail to check after the lift has started.
Control the setup
A safer lift is planned before anyone is exposed to the load. Inspection, rigging controls, exclusion zones and clear communication all belong in that planning.
Protect the people around it
Operators, riggers, spotters and everyone working nearby need a shared understanding of the lift plan and the controls that keep the work area safe.
EWP Australia
Turn safety principles into site-ready action
The right support depends on the job in front of you. Our inspection, certification and fleet services help keep equipment decisions connected to the people using it and the work they need to complete.
Inspection & certification
Know the condition of your EWP fleet
Documented inspections and certification help teams make decisions before equipment is sent to site.
Explore inspectionsSafety & quality
Build safety into the way work is planned
See the practical principles EWP Australia uses across pre-start checks, SWMS alignment and traceable records.
Our safety approachCapabilities
One partner for access equipment
From fleet advice to major inspections, keep the technical and operational detail connected.
View capabilities“
Bypassing certified gear to save time or effort inevitably leads to dropped loads.
Samuel Ho, EWP Australia
Lifting safety FAQs
Why does rated lifting gear matter?
Rated lifting gear is selected for a defined capacity and use. Choosing equipment that is suitable for the task, inspecting it and using it within its limits are fundamental parts of controlled lifting work.
What should happen before a lift?
The team should understand the task, confirm the equipment and rigging are suitable, inspect the setup, establish the required controls and communicate the lift plan before the load moves.
Can EWP Australia help with equipment inspections?
Yes. EWP Australia provides inspection, certification and fleet support for elevated work platforms. Contact the team to discuss the equipment, site requirements and documentation you need.
National Infrastructure Support
Reliable fleet access and major inspection services for government, defence, and top-tier contractors.