Safety is in the eye of the beholder

As Cranes Today reported in November, a survey found that 90% of corporate car drivers had not been asked to have their eyesight checked by their employers. While the study of 1,000 individuals at 50 companies paid for by UK eye specialists Specsavers didn’t examine testing of heavy plant or crane operators, it provoked concern among some of our readers.

Hugh Pratt, chairman of Crane Powerline Safety, pointed out that good eyesight is vital for the safety of crane crews working close to powerlines. A document produced by his organisation specifies that spotters working near powerlines will need 20/13 (better than average) vision if they are to be able to spot cables from a distance of 40ft, and be free from any optical conditions that could affect their depth perception. You can read the document in full at www.cranestodaymagazine.com/eyesight.

Professionals in many other industries where safety is key, such as emergency services and aviation, must regularly undergo eye-tests. Is it not time that the crane industry demanded the same?

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