Marr Contracting (Marr) has become the first business in the world to implement new crane safety technology, The Buddie System, on two Sydney construction projects.
Marr crane crews working with Parklife D&C Joint Venture on construction of the new Sydney Metro Airport Terminal Station, and with Richard Crookes Constructions on the Sydney House mixed-use development, (former City Tattersalls Club site) in the Sydney CBD were the first to trial the system in a live environment.
Developed by experienced crane industry professionals Gary Panagiotidis and Jade Harris, The Buddie System is designed for crane operators and dogmen / slinger signallers to reduce the risk of accidents caused by two-way radio issues or miscommunication between crane crews.
With up to 30 per cent of crane accidents (Crane Accident Statistics: Market Data Report 2025) involving miscommunication between operators and ground crews, The Buddie System has real potential to prevent injuries and fatalities on construction sites. The wireless safety alert device overcomes the shortfalls of existing two-way radio technology by allowing dogmen to instantly alert crane operators to stop if something goes wrong.
“Safety is always our number one priority and with The Buddie System we have an innovative solution to a common safety issue on construction sites,” said Marr’s Managing Director, Simon Marr.
“What we love about it is its simplicity and the fact that it was designed by people who’ve worked on the tools and understand the real risks of crane and lifting operations,” Simon said.
The Buddie System was officially launched at the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) Conference with Marr the first to trial the system in a live environment.
With strong interest from crane owners and operators in Australia, the United Kingdom and other markets, Marr’s implementation on a large-scale infrastructure greenfield site and inner-city high-rise environment is paving the way for others in the industry to follow suit.
“We couldn’t have picked a better launch partner than Marr,” said Gary Panagiotidis.
“I’ve been in the industry for 30 years and Marr has always stood out as a company that leads from the front when it comes to innovation and safety.”
“Big cranes, big lifts, and big responsibilities. Marr’s reputation is built on getting all three right,” added Jade Harris.
“Their willingness to be first to adopt this technology proves they’re serious about safety.”
Following the success of the trial, Marr intends to roll out The Buddie System across its fleet in Australia and the United Kingdom over the coming months.
Marr Contracting and The Buddie System
Marr Contracting is a world leader in the design and delivery of heavy lift luffing tower cranes and heavy lifting services. With almost 100 years’ experience working on large-scale construction projects in Australia and around the world, its expertise spans the large-scale construction, mining, oil and gas, power, nuclear, major transport infrastructure, technology and marine sectors. Not just a crew and cranes for hire, it offers big thinkers and problem solvers who love a challenge with a string of ‘world firsts’ to their name – including the world’s highest capacity tower crane, the Marr 2480D Heavy Lift Luffing (HLL) crane. www.marr.com.au
The Buddie System (TBS) is a wireless instant safety alert device designed for crane operators and dogmen/ slingers enabling rapid alarm activation in emergencies. The TBS device overcomes the shortfalls of two-way radio failure and often inaudible backup whistles. The TBS device allows a dogman/ slinger to instantly transmit an alarm signal to a crane operator to stop. A quick snap on the TBS lanyard activates the alarm. www.thebuddiesystem.com