HSEQ Manager at Johnson & Young Cranes, Amanda Hermoso, provides a detailed overview of the stringent safety procedures at the East Coast crane hire company.
At Johnson & Young Cranes (JYC), safety is not just a priority—it is the cornerstone of the company’s operational philosophy. JYC’s commitment to safety permeates through every aspect of the business, from its rigorous training programs to the state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive safety protocols.
This dedication to safety ensures that JYC not only protects the crane hire company’s employees, clients and the public, but also enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of the services the company offers.
Comprehensive Training Programs
The foundation of safety culture at Johnson & Young Cranes lies in its comprehensive training programs, says Amanda Hermoso, JYC’s HSEQ Manager.
“We believe that well-trained employees are the key to a safe work environment. Every new team member undergoes an intensive training regimen that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This training includes detailed instructions on the proper use of our cranes and other heavy machinery, as well as in-depth education on industry safety standards and regulations,” she says.
“Our training programs are continually updated to reflect the latest advancements in technology and changes in safety regulations. This ensures that our employees are always equipped with the most current knowledge and best practices. Moreover, we provide ongoing education opportunities, including regular safety drills and refresher courses, to keep our team members sharp and prepared for any situation.”
State-of-the-Art-Equipment
At Johnson & Young Cranes, the company understands that the safety and reliability of its equipment are paramount – hence why the company has invested heavily in state-of- the-art cranes and machinery, ensuring that all of its equipment meets the highest safety standards. JYC’s fleet includes a variety of cranes equipped with the latest safety features, something that is typified by JYC’s most recent acquisition of two Liebherr LTM 1110-5.2 cranes.
Regular maintenance and rigorous inspections are critical components of JYC’s equipment safety strategy. The crane hire company employs a dedicated team of experienced technicians who perform routine checks and maintenance on all of
the equipment. This proactive approach helps the team identify and address potential issues before they become hazards, thereby minimising the risk of accidents and ensuring optimal performance.
Strict Safety Protocols
JYC’s commitment to safety is further reinforced by the company’s strict safety protocols that are designed to protect everyone on the job site. These protocols are meticulously developed in accordance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. They cover a wide range of safety measures, including site assessments, hazard identification, risk mitigation and emergency response procedures.
“Before any project begins, our team conducts a thorough site assessment to identify potential hazards and develop a customised safety plan,” says Amanda. “This plan outlines specific measures to control risks, such as proper crane positioning, load handling procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).”
Safety Culture and Leadership
Fostering a strong safety culture is a continuous effort that starts at the top. At JYC, the leadership team is deeply committed to promoting and maintaining a culture of safety. They lead by example, according to Amanda, demonstrating their commitment through visible actions and decisions that prioritise safety over productivity or cost-cutting.
“We encourage open communication and feedback from all employees regarding safety concerns. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone feels responsible for maintaining a safe work environment,” says Amanda. “Our leadership regularly engages with employees through safety meetings, training sessions and site visits, reinforcing the importance of safety and recognising individuals and teams that demonstrate exceptional safety practices.”
Image: Johnson & Young Cranes.
Safety Innovations
Innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing safety at JYC, exemplified by the crane
hire company’s continuous pursuit of new technologies and methodologies to improve safety outcomes. For instance, JYC utilises advanced software for load planning and risk assessment, helping the company identify potential hazards and optimise crane operations.
Additionally, JYC is at the forefront of integrating usable technology into its safety protocols, digitising safety documentation and equipment compliance packs using QR codes and the use of data logging technology throughout its Franna pick and carry crane fleet.
These technologies allow JYC to monitor real-time data on the health and safety conditions of its workers and equipment; and, by leveraging these innovations, JYC can respond quickly to any emerging risks and ensure a safer working environment.
Emergency Preparedness
Despite the company’s best efforts to prevent accidents, JYC recognises the importance of being prepared for emergencies; therefore, JYC puts robust emergency response procedures in place, designed to protect lives and minimise damage in the event of an incident.
JYC’s emergency plans include clear protocols for evacuation, medical response and communication with emergency services. Regular emergency drills are conducted to ensure that all employees are familiar with these procedures and can respond effectively under pressure.
Industry Collaboration and Compliance
Furthermore, JYC actively collaborates with industry associations, regulatory bodies, and safety organisations to stay abreast of the latest developments in crane safety.
The company participates in industry forums, workshops and conferences to exchange knowledge and learn from the experiences of others. This collaborative approach helps JYC continuously improve its safety practices and align with the highest industry standards, as Amanda says.
“Compliance with all relevant safety regulations is non-negotiable at Johnson & Young Cranes,” she says.
“We strictly adhere to national and international safety standards, including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications. Our compliance efforts are regularly audited to ensure that we meet or exceed all regulatory requirements.”
Community and Environmental Safety
The company’s commitment to safety extends beyond its immediate work sites to the communities and environments in which JYC operates.
Taking proactive measures to minimise the impact of its operations on surrounding areas, JYC ensures that public safety and environmental protection are integral parts of its project planning and execution.
“We implement noise and dust control measures, secure work zones to prevent unauthorised access, and carefully manage waste and emissions,” says Amanda. “By doing so, we demonstrate our responsibility not only to our employees and clients but also to the broader community and the environment.”
At Johnson & Young Cranes, safety is more than just a priority—it is the bedrock of the company’s operations, according to Amanda. Through comprehensive training, state-of-the-art equipment, strict safety protocols, and a strong safety culture, the East Coast crane hire company strives to create a work environment where safety is paramount.
Its continuous pursuit of safety innovations, emergency preparedness, industry collaboration and community responsibility underscores the company’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring the highest standards of safety in every project it undertakes.
“At the end of the day,” says Amanda, “we just want to make sure that everyone goes home safely– irrespective of the task at hand.”