A number of recent accidents have involved cranes on offshore platforms. A workshop was held with a variety of experts to:

1) examine and review these accidents in light of current equipment design, operational practices, worker practices and training, and regulations; and

2) develop recommended courses of action that could improve safety. Workshop attendees included a variety of invited experts on crane operations on offshore platforms, offshore safety planning, and personnel training.

The principal focus of this workshop was on the operation of platform cranes. Crane design may be a factor that needs to be considered in improving operational safety, but structural and mechanical design issues are not a main focus. This workshop focused on platform cranes and on cranes used in- offshore construction or heavy lifts.