Recommit to Safety: Take 5 for Every Lift

Getting back into routine after any break is the perfect time to reset and refocus.

At Premier Cranes & Rigging, we know that momentum builds from small, consistent actions – and nothing matters more than maintaining a culture of safety.

When teams return to site, it’s easy for habits to slip and for complacency to sneak in.

That’s why taking a moment to re-establish safe practices is crucial.

One of the simplest and most effective tools to help us achieve this is the Take 5 Safety process.

What is Take 5 Safety?

Take 5 Safety is a proven, practical risk assessment tool designed for fast-paced, high-risk environments in the construction and lifting industry.

It’s all about taking five minutes to pause, assess, and address potential hazards before starting work.

Why five minutes?

Because those few moments could mean the difference between a routine day and an avoidable incident.

It’s a small step that saves time, prevents injuries, and protects our greatest asset – our people.

By embedding the Take 5 process into daily routines, every team member can take ownership of their safety and look out for their mates.

    The Take 5 Process: Simple Steps for On-Site Safety

    Take 5 Safety helps keep safety front of mind by turning risk assessments into simple, repeatable actions that can be applied to any task.

    Whether setting up a crane lift or performing maintenance, these steps will help you stay vigilant.

    1. Stop and Think
    • Pause before you start and engage your mind.
    • Ask yourself: “Do I fully understand what’s needed to do this safely?”
    • Complete your Take 5 checklist to review permits, procedures, and PPE.
    • If you’re unsure, don’t proceed. Report and resolve concerns first.
    2. Look and Identify
    • Inspect the area and equipment.
    • Identify anything that could pose a hazard – people, equipment, or environmental changes.
    • Watch for red flags, like distractions or unexpected site activity.
    3. Assess the Risks
    • Evaluate the likelihood and severity of each hazard using the Hazard Risk Rating Table.
    • Risk levels matter:
      • High risk: Stop work immediately.
      • Medium risk: Discuss with your supervisor before proceeding.
      • Low risk: Proceed, but only with controls in place.
    4. Control the Hazards
    • Apply controls to eliminate or reduce risks.
    • Follow the Hierarchy of Controls: eliminate hazards, use safer alternatives, add barriers, follow procedures, or use PPE as a last resort.
    • Ensure controls don’t create new risks and document them.

    Keep it simple, effective, and safe.

    5. Monitor the Task
    • Stay vigilant throughout the task to ensure that controls remain effective.

    If conditions change, weather, equipment failure, or unexpected site activity – revisit the Take 5 process and reassess the risks.

    Why Take 5 Works in Construction and Lifting

    Take 5 is more than a checklist – it’s a habit that helps you build a stronger safety mindset, even in high-pressure environments.

    In industries like construction, rigging, and crane operations, where the smallest oversight can have serious consequences, Take 5’s simplicity is its greatest strength.

    The Benefits of Take 5:
    • Accident Prevention: Identifies hazards before they become incidents.
    • Situational Awareness: Keeps teams focused and engaged, even during routine tasks.
    • Empowers Every Worker: Everyone has the authority to stop and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
    • Reduces Downtime: Prevents delays caused by accidents or near-misses.
    • Adapts in Real Time: Ensures quick responses to sudden changes on-site.

    Beyond Take 5: Building a Comprehensive Safety Net

    While Take 5 is a powerful tool, it works best when used alongside Pre-Lift Start Cards and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS):

    • Take 5: Quick, individualised assessments for daily tasks.
    • Pre-Lift / SWMS: Detailed safety protocols for complex or high-risk tasks.

    Together, these tools create a multi-layered safety approach, covering everything from simple tasks to large-scale lifts.

    Keep Safety Front of Mind

    No matter the time of year, it’s always the right time to reset and strengthen safe habits. 

    By consistently applying the Take 5 process and encouraging open communication, we create a work environment where safety is instinctive.

    At Premier Cranes & Rigging, safety starts with us – on every job, every lift, and every site. 

    Let’s lead by example, back each other up, and make safety a shared commitment.

    Remember: A few minutes for safety can make all the difference.

    #TeamLifting #SafetyFirst

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