New lorry cranes must install stability devices to prevent toppling from 2025

SINGAPORE – The incidences of cranes accidentally toppling over while in operation are expected to be reduced from 2025, when new lorry cranes in Singapore are fitted with devices that warn operators when the vehicles become unstable.

Known as a stability control system (SCS), the device will detect the deployment and extension of each stabiliser of a lorry crane.

It then calculates and restricts manoeuvres to within a safe lifting zone and will issue warnings to the operator if the lorry crane becomes unstable.

From Jan 1, 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will require newly registered lorry cranes to be installed with an acceptable type of SCS that is either factory-fitted by the lorry crane manufacturer or installed by an authorised agent.

An MOM spokeswoman told The Straits Times that there were 14 dangerous occurrences involving lorry cranes between 2020 and 2024, which resulted in two fatalities.

The ministry is making grants available to lorry crane owners who would like to install the system on new vehicles and existing vehicles that are less than 17 years old. 

The older lorry cranes will not be required to be fitted with an SCS, but owners are encouraged to apply for the grant through the MOM website to do so.

The grant will be available between now and March 2025, and will reimburse up to 70 per cent of the qualifying costs.

Mr Henry Ong, deputy manager for operations at Tiong Woon Logistics, which operates a fleet of 10 lorry cranes, told ST that it would cost between $10,000 and $12,500 to install an SCS on a vehicle.

This is a small percentage of the price of a crane – like the one fitted with an SCS in a demonstration at the company’s premises in Pandan Crescent on July 2 – which costs approximately $900,000, according to a company spokesman.

Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng encouraged owners of older lorry cranes to take up the grant offer for their vehicles, which is part of the Government’s efforts to support contractors in adopting proven technologies to improve safety.

“We recognise that the installation could lead to downtime for existing lorries and increase business costs. So, we strongly encourage owners of existing lorry cranes to install the SCS, but it is mandatory only for newly registered lorry cranes,” he said.

He was addressing the Singapore Contractors Association’s annual Environment, Health and Safety Campaign event at the BCA Academy on July 3.

MOM said the system is proven technology that eliminates the risk of lorry cranes toppling, noting that based on its statistics, 63 per cent of dangerous lorry crane-related occurrences in the past decade could have been prevented if the vehicles were fitted with an SCS.

Currently, it is up to the crane operator and other observers to use their judgment and experience to ensure the safety of lifting operations.

Mr Ong of Tiong Woon Logistics said the new requirements for the fitting of SCS in lorry cranes will enhance the safety and efficiency of the company’s operations.

“These systems will help prevent accidents caused by instability, which in turn will reduce downtime and increase productivity,” he said.

He added that implementing the devices across the company’s fleet of lorry cranes presents challenges such as the initial investment cost, the time required for installation and operator training, as well as potential disruptions during the transition period.

But he believes the long-term benefits from enhanced safety and reduced operational risk far outweigh the challenges.

Lorry cranes are used for loading and unloading of materials or equipment, and are frequently deployed near public areas.

They are fitted with retractable stabilisers, known as outriggers, to keep them stable during lifting operations.

However, in some instances, the full extension of these outriggers may not be possible, and this can compromise safe lifting operations and result in dangerous occurrences.