Ainscough Crane Hire’s safety policies have been endorsed by a commendation by a major client, the chemicals giant Dupont.

The UK rental company received a commendation for its work in December 2002 at Dupont Nylon’s site in Wilton, Teesside.

Headed by training director Keith Hartis, Ainscough’s safety, health & environment (SHE) department has produced a comprehensive crane operator training policy, comprising of initiatives designed to educate, train and protect their operators and others on site. The training schedule, accredited by the UK Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is undertaken by all operators, who are also issued with cards listing the ‘famous five’ questions that they need to ask before undertaking any lift. Operators must carry these cards at all times.

The ‘famous five’ questions are: 1. What is the nature of the lift/weight? 2. Where is the crane to be sited? 3. What is the jib configuration and working radius? 4. What are the risks/proximity hazards? 5. Is anyone affected by this work? Ainscough has also produced a health & safety CD-ROM and a test to be undertaken by all employees. It also produces monthly safety posters and a company magazine called ‘Keep Safe’.

Chairman Martin Ainscough said: ‘Our company motto “safety before profit” will remain our highest priority.’