A Proactive Approach to Risk Management
Risk management often focuses on lagging indicators and reactive response. Taking a proactive approach is better, according to this April 2018 Crane Hot Line article. Four risk categories that can benefit from a proactive approach are Hazard; Operational; Financial; and Strategic Risk.
When considering equipment setup, implementing standard setup procedures that include the use of engineered outrigger pads, crane pads, and cribbing products help reduce these four types of risk.
Managing Hazard Risk is accomplished by contractually transferring the risk to another party, ensuring the risk, or assuming the hazard or risk. Many companies still construct or fabricate outrigger pads or crane pads for their own use. This practice will generally put 100% of both the manufactured and operational risk on the business. Purchasing outrigger pads and crane pads from a manufacturer will transfer some or all the product risk to the manufacturer.
Increasing or mitigating Operational Risks is something that happens nearly every second of every day. When setting up equipment, mitigating operational risk means establishing best practices and standard procedures every time. In the Cranes & Derricks Construction Standard, OSHA specifically addresses foundational support under cranes as a primary inspection target. Doing so should mitigate operational risks and as an added benefit, reduce your chances of citation.
Limiting financial risk means choosing partners and products that improve safety, reduce operational costs and provide a return on investment. SafetyTech Outrigger Pads are guaranteed unbreakable. Over their lifetime, they deliver excellent value compared to wood or look-a-like plastic outrigger pads. Engineered and patented FiberMax Mega Duty Crane Pads typically weigh 60% less than traditional crane pads. Because of the weight savings, customers are setting up and tearing down 75% faster, and are saving hundreds to thousands in transportation cost per job.
Strategic risk relates to the overall business decisions. Investing in products and procedures that contribute to an improved safety culture and overall professionalism was a strategic decision for Crane Service Inc., which makes it standard practice to set outrigger-enabled cranes upon engineered pads or crane mats. This type of investment has both strengthened the Crane Service Inc. safety culture and moved it forward.
As the Crane Hot Line article concludes, reaction to risk strengthens a business, but proactive approach moves a business forward, improving not only its long-term success but the daily work environment for everyone on the job.