Bridging the Gap: Mobile Crane Safety

 

Angela YUEN's thesis, "Mobile Crane Safety in the Construction Industry of Hong Kong," addressed a crucial safety concern. Mobile cranes, vital for modular integrated construction, introduce risks due to their mobility, often leading to accidents. Despite their significance, research on crane safety in Hong Kong is limited. With 30 years of construction experience, Angela was motivated to bridge this gap. Her study analyzes incidents, reviews fatal cases, and identifies risk factors, proposing strategies to improve safety. Recognized with awards, Angela aims to collaborate with officials, raise awareness, and publish her findings internationally.

 


FCE student

Dr YUEN Hou Yee Angela

Department of Building and Real Estate
Faculty of Construction and Environment

Award:

  • Occupational Safety & Health Best Project Scholarship Prize 2022/23 (Category: Postgraduate Degree), Occupational Safety & Health Council
  • Runner-up Award 2024 (Category: Doctoral Degree), HKIE-Specialist Safety Committee (SSC) Award 2024

 

Domain Expertise:

Mobile Crane Operations

Mobile cranes are essential in construction, especially with modular integrated construction (MiC) requiring significant lifting. Unlike static cranes, mobile cranes can move freely, introducing unique risks. Understanding their operation, movement capabilities, and associated hazards is crucial for safety.

Safety Protocols and Risk Management

The construction industry demands rigorous safety protocols to prevent accidents. Angela's research identifies over 30 critical risk factors affecting mobile crane safety, emphasizing the need for enhanced risk assessments and updated safety protocols to mitigate potential hazards.

Accident Analysis and Investigation

Analyzing past incidents is vital for improving safety standards. Angela reviewed nearly 100 mobile crane incidents and fatal case reports to understand causes and characteristics, providing insights into accident prevention and safety improvements.

Regulatory Compliance and Data Access

Accessing sensitive data, such as Coroner’s Court records, requires compliance with regulations. Angela navigated these challenges by collaborating with authorities and utilizing publicly accessible reports, highlighting the importance of understanding legal and ethical considerations in research.

Innovative Safety Solutions and Technology

Angela's research proposes actionable strategies to enhance safety, advocating for innovative technologies and policy adjustments. This includes incentives for contractors and crane operators to adopt new technologies, showcasing the role of innovation in advancing construction safety.

 

Lifelong Learning Excellence:

Project Management

Balancing part-time studies with tight deadlines taught Angela the importance of effective time management. Breaking tasks into manageable segments and following a structured schedule are essential skills for lifelong learning, helping individuals prioritize tasks and maintain focus on objectives.

Communication and Presentation Skills

Angela refined her communication strategies to engage different audiences, including construction workers and regulatory officials. Effective communication is a lifelong learning skill that ensures clear and precise interactions, fostering collaboration and understanding across diverse groups.

Research and Information Literacy

Managing large amounts of data and information required Angela to develop efficient organizational systems. Lifelong learners benefit from strong organizational skills, which help in systematically handling information and resources, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Angela's journey involved overcoming challenges and refining strategies, cultivating resilience and flexibility. These skills are vital for lifelong learning, allowing individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, persist through difficulties, and focus on long-term goals.

 


Inspiring Quotes:



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Domain Knowledge OER

Mobile Crane Operations

Safety Protocols and Risk Management

Accident Analysis and Investigation

Regulatory Compliance and Data Access

Innovative Safety Solutions and Technology

Lifelong Learning OER

Project Management

Communication and Presentation Skills

Research and Information Literacy

Adaptability and Flexibility