Cranes are a familiar sight across Singapore’s skyline, silently lifting tonnes of materials as buildings rise higher by the day. Whether used on a construction site, at a shipyard, or in an industrial facility, cranes are powerful machines with equally significant risks. A lapse in maintenance, a miscommunication during lifting, or an expired inspection certificate can result in serious accidents or even fatalities. That is why regulatory compliance for crane operations is not optional; it is essential to safeguarding both lives and livelihoods.
Under the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has put strict requirements for using cranes in Singapore. These regulations ensure that every lifting operation is carefully planned, executed, and supervised. Businesses are expected to take responsibility for their equipment’s condition, their lifting teams’ competence, and the accuracy of the safety documentation. Ensuring compliance may seem complex, but it becomes a powerful way to reduce risk and improve operational reliability with the right approach.
Registration, Certification, and the Role of Authorised Examiners
One of the key legal requirements is that all cranes used at workplaces must be registered with MOM. This includes tower cranes, mobile cranes, and other mechanical lifting systems. Before a crane can be registered or used, it must undergo a full inspection by a MOM-registered Authorised Examiner (AE). The inspection includes a structural assessment, testing of brakes, safety systems and limiters, and a load test to verify that the crane can handle its Safe Working Load (SWL).
Upon passing inspection, the AE issues a Certificate of Fitness, which must be renewed periodically, typically every six to twelve months, depending on usage. If this certification lapses, the crane must be taken out of service immediately. Equipment with expired certificates violates MOM regulations and exposes the company to enforcement action, insurance complications, and reputational risk in the event of an accident.
A reliable inspection partner like Emaan Inspection can help ensure timely compliance with these regulations. With decades of experience and a team of MOM-registered AEs, Emaan supports clients through every stage of crane certification, allowing them schedule inspections in advance, avoid project delays, and meet documentation requirements without the stress of last-minute preparations.
Safe Lifting Starts with the Right People and Processes
Compliance is not just about the crane itself. Every lifting operation must be supported by a competent team and well-documented processes. All crane operators must hold valid licenses and complete MOM-approved courses under the WSQ Operate Mobile or Tower Crane frameworks. In addition, each lift must be supervised by a certified Lifting Supervisor, coordinated with a qualified Signalman and Rigger, and supported by a detailed lifting plan.
This lifting plan must outline the load weight, crane configuration, sling method, site layout, and communication procedures. It should also include assessing ground conditions, overhead obstacles, and emergency responses. These details are essential not only for safe operations, but also to demonstrate due diligence during audits or incident investigations.
Poor planning, insufficient risk assessments, or unlicensed team members are some of the most common causes of compliance failures on site. At Emaan Inspection, we work closely with contractors and safety officers to flag potential gaps during the inspection process, advise on best practices, and ensure that all safety documentation is aligned with MOM expectations.
Staying Ahead with Proactive Compliance
Maintaining crane compliance is not just about avoiding fines. It’s about protecting lives and keeping projects on track. MOM has stepped up enforcement in recent years, including surprise inspections at construction sites and increased penalties for lapses. Companies caught operating uncertified cranes or failing to meet safety standards may face stop-work orders, disqualification from tenders, or legal prosecution.
More companies are turning to digital compliance tools, internal safety audits, and trusted inspection providers like Emaan Inspection to stay ahead. We offer inspection scheduling support, reminder systems, and clear reporting to help clients meet deadlines and pass audits with confidence. Our role is not just to certify cranes but to enable a stronger safety culture that protects your workers and your business.
Book a Compliance Review with Emaan Inspection
If you’re unsure whether your cranes are fully compliant or want to simplify your inspection planning, Emaan Inspection offers a free online compliance review. Our team will assess your current certification status and recommend the next steps to stay aligned with MOM’s requirements.
📧 Email: info@emaan.com.sg
📞 Phone: +65 6292 3549
🌐 www.emaan.com.sg
Compliance doesn’t happen by chance. Let us help you lift with safety, assurance, and peace of mind.
