Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and involvement in crane and lifting safety?
Mark Blundy (MB): I spent 15 years up until 2003 working as an HSE Inspector in Construction. I then worked for George Wimpey and through my involvement in major projects and tower crane procurement was part of the original CIRIA Crane Stability Guide.
I have been at Bowmer & Kirkland Group since 2007 and am Group Director of Health & Safety. My team includes the group crane manager who deals with tower cranes and heavy cranes. The safety team support site logistics and operations as well as carry out crane audits for up to 20 tower cranes a year, and around 100 sites / year with a value of almost £1bn including a lot of crawler and mobile cranes.
Q: In your experience, what is the number one challenge facing lifting engineers at present, and how are they addressing it?
MB: I think lifting engineers are in a good place. Owners are investing in new equipment and clever technology like variable outrigger configuration is helping us carry out lifts with lighter cranes that are more mobile and quicker to rig.
Perhaps the biggest issue is attracting the next generation of lifting engineers. A lot of experience has gone or is due to retire. We can’t forget we need people to operate and maintain equipment and don’t forget the riggers and slingers.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your company or in the industry in general?
MB: I have had to build a new team since January. We have a good level of enquiries and some interesting and technically complex projects including our first tower crane climb, and modular build hotels.
Q:
What do you see for the future of crane and lifting engineers over the next five to ten years?
MB: In construction off-site and modular methods of construction seem to be making in-roads to what we see being built – that means heavier loads and the dark art of topping / tailing loads. Buildings are getting taller and people are living in city centres again, which brings its own set of challenges.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at Crane Safety 2018?
MB: Its always good to catch up with other people and see some what they have to contend with.
Mark will be joining fellow speakers Steve Leyton of Keltbray Group and Steve Bradby of Select Plant Hire Co Ltd to discuss and share strategies for improving safety and reducing risk at this year’s Crane Safety event, which will take place on 12 September 2018 in London.
Join the discussion and find out how engineers and lifting professionals are addressing the challenges of risk and incident reduction, cost savings vs maintenance and compliance with safety legislation. Early Bird discount ends 20 July 2018, to book your place please visit www.imeche.org/cranesafety2018