Critical risk factors for mobile crane safety in hong kong via a mixed-methods study

Mobile crane accidents in Hong Kong, particularly those involving civil and road works, often result in fatalities, with the most common type being workers struck by falling or flying objects. This study adopted a mixed analysis process to identify critical risk factors for mobile crane safety and formulate effective safety recommendations in Hong Kong. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 509 construction workers to identify critical risk factors affecting mobile crane safety, followed by risk factors ranking by severity index analysis. Focus group meetings were conducted among 11 senior experts to validate these critical risk factors and to propose practical strategies to reduce the risk of mobile cranes in Hong Kong. It is found that communication during lifting operations, crane operator safety awareness, and main contractor safety management are the major critical risk factors for mobile crane safety. The mechanisms underlying these factors are discussed, along with practical recommendations to mitigate safety issues related to mobile cranes in Hong Kong, emphasizing communication, training, safety culture, and regulation updates. These findings highlight crucial areas for intervention, providing a roadmap to enhance safety within the construction industry, ultimately aiming to reduce accidents and improve overall operational safety.