Work at height and heavy lifting in the shipyard
Scaffolding, trestles, cranes and lifting — how to handle large boats and heavy items safely
A boatyard is not just a place with sharp hand tools and glue — it is also a place with large heavy items high scaffolding and cranes lifting boats of several tons. Safety around height and weight is therefore just as important a part of the trade as the craft itself.
§Bending, stands and support
When a boat sits on land, it typically rests on stands and trestles that must distribute the weight correctly—normally with the main support under the keel and side stands that keep the hull upright. A poorly supported boat can settle unevenly or, in the worst case, tip over, so checking the support is a fixed point when the boat is lifted or moved.
§Crane and towing of boats
Launching and commissioning with crane or travel lift requires that the lifting slings are positioned correctly. Incorrectly placed slings can concentrate the load incorrectly and damage or crush the hull, or cause the boat to slide or tip under the lift. Good communication with the crane operator and never standing under a lifted boat are among the most fundamental safety rules at a shipyard.
§Fall protection: the rules that keep you on the roof.
According to the Working Environment Authority's administrative practice, the risk of falling from heights over approximately 2 metres should in principle be prevented with effective collective safety measures such as railings, scaffolding or cordoning off. Individual fall protection with harness and line may first be used when collective protection cannot reasonably be established due to the nature of the work, for example for short-term tasks of around 4 person-hours. If you yourself erect scaffolding higher than 3 metres, it also requires a compulsory scaffolding course.
§Ladders and work platforms on the hull
Grinding, painting and osmosis treatment of a high hull often takes place from ladders, scaffolds or mobile working platforms. Stable footing is crucial, especially when working above head height where balance is easily lost. Plan the access route to the entire hull before work begins instead of improvising as you go.
Risks and prevention
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Fall in price of flour. | Collective shielding and properly erected scaffolding |
| Clamping under hoisted boat | Correct rigging placement and no loading over the boat |
| Tipping bucks | Stable support and correct bracing |
| Heavy lifting of items | Use of crane or truck instead of manual lifting |
“Gravity doesn't care if you were in a hurry — it works all the time and wins if you forget about it.”