Appointed Person / Lifting Supervisor
Position Summary
The Appointed Person / Lifting Supervisor plans, supervises, and oversees all lifting operations on site. This role ensures that lifting tasks are performed safely and efficiently, in line with current safety standards, site procedures, and legal regulations. The position promotes a culture of safety, quality, and productivity, and ensures adherence to all statutory guidelines and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and execute lifting operations using suitable methods and equipment.
- Prepare and review risk assessments, method statements, and lifting plans.
- Supervise teams performing lifting and associated activities to ensure safe working practices.
- Carry out toolbox talks and deliver safety briefings to team members.
- Monitor active operations for hazard awareness and compliance with safety procedures.
- Implement the permit to work system and ensure authorization for all lifting activities.
- Ensure all lifting equipment is selected, checked, and used correctly.
- Ensure inspections and in-service checks of lifting equipment and accessories are completed and records are maintained.
- Advise on selection and use of cranes and lifting appliances, including supervision of crane berthing and set up.
- Administer Critical Task procedures and ensure full compliance.
- Coach, mentor, and train team members in safe lifting practices and ongoing professional development.
- Handle first-line disciplinary, grievance, and performance management issues within the team.
- Promote continuous improvement through observations, lessons learned, and best practice sharing.
- Assist in the resolution of technical or procedural issues and contribute to quality standards compliance.
- Maintain awareness of contract requirements, commercial factors, and planning activities as they relate to the lifting operations.
- Produce and submit required reports, timesheets, and administrative documentation.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Recognized apprenticeship in a relevant trade or equivalent vocational qualification.
- Industry certification as an appointed person or lifting supervisor.
- Relevant safety training certification, such as a recognized Safety Passport, Managing Safely, or general health and safety certificate.
- Experience in preparing lifting plans, risk assessments, and method statements.
- Significant experience supervising lifting operations within industrial, thermal, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or nuclear environments.
- Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations, including those for lifting operations and equipment inspection.
- Proficiency in the selection and use of lifting equipment, cranes, winches, rigging, and lifting arrangements.
- Sound understanding of safety management, hazard awareness, and error prevention techniques.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Strong planning, organizational, and leadership skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
- Sound judgment in the assessment and management of risks.
- Problem-solving skills and a focus on process excellence.
- Commitment to continuous personal and team development.
- Attention to detail and ability to ensure accurate completion of records and documentation.
- Capability to coach, mentor, and support the competence of others.
Reporting and Relationships
- Reports to: Site Manager or equivalent.
- Liaises with: Section Engineers, Resident Engineers, Customers, Subcontractors, and Regulators.
- Manages: Lifting team and operatives directly involved in lifting operations.
Additional Information
- Ability to work on a site-based schedule and respond flexibly to project requirements.
- Understanding and application of organizational policies, procedures, and quality standards.
- Commitment to promoting a zero-incident, high-performance culture.
- Responsibility for ensuring all team members understand and apply safe systems of work and quality procedures.