What is a simple risk assessment before a lifting operation?

• A. Skip assessment and proceed
• B. Review only with supervisor
• C. Identify hazards, assess risk level, implement controls to reduce risk, document plan, review with team, and confirm with supervisor
• D. Assess risk after the lift

Answer: (C)

A pre-lift risk assessment is a quick, structured check done before a lifting operation to identify hazards, evaluate the risk, and set controls. You’ll consider factors like load weight and center of gravity, wind/weather, ground and surface conditions, nearby personnel, overhead obstructions, and the planned path of travel. Then you determine how likely and how severe any hazards are and put controls in place to reduce risk—things like proper rigging, exclusion zones, clear signaling, appropriate crane capacity, and safe communication plans. You also document the plan so everyone knows what’s happening, brief the team so responsibilities are clear, and obtain confirmation from the supervisor or person in charge before starting. This combination—identify hazards, assess risk level, implement controls, document the plan, review with the team, and confirm with the supervisor—covers the essential steps needed to keep the lift safe. Skipping the assessment, only talking with the supervisor, doing the assessment after the lift, or proceeding without any check all miss important safeguards and can lead to unsafe conditions.