Long days in the cab
A tower crane operator may climb a long ladder to the cab at the start of the day and stay there for a full shift, alone, concentrating on loads swinging over people's heads. Mobile crane operators drive heavy vehicles to site, set up outriggers and work closely with slingers and signallers.
The physical risks are less about lifting and more about climbing, sitting for long periods and the strain on necks and backs. Isolation and responsibility also take a mental toll, and fatigue is a real concern on long shifts.
Mobile crane work also means long drives on public roads in a heavy vehicle, often to sites far from home, before a full day of lifting.
Medicals, cards and employment
Crane operators hold industry cards for the machines they run, and many employers and hire firms ask for regular medicals covering eyesight, heart health and other conditions. A diagnosis such as an eyesight problem, a heart condition or a seizure could stop you operating even if you could do other work.
Many operators are employed by crane hire companies or contractors, some with sick pay and some on statutory sick pay only. Others work through agencies or as self-employed contractors.
- Check what sick pay your employer or agency offers
- Think about how a failed medical would affect your income
- Self-employed operators get no sick pay
- Ask your employer about death in service
Ratings and the medical risk
Insurers place occupations into risk classes. Crane operation involves height, responsibility and some physical demands, so ratings vary. Tower crane operators may be rated differently from mobile operators. The class affects the price and definition used at claim.
The definition matters a lot here. If a condition stops you passing your crane medical, own occupation cover may pay, while a suited occupation definition may look at whether you could do other work. Ask how each policy would treat that situation.
Life cover for crane operators
If you die while a life policy is active, it pays your family a lump sum. Insurers ask about your job, and tower crane work may lead to extra questions. Many operators are accepted on standard or near-standard terms.
If you have death in service through your employer, a personal policy keeps your family protected if you move to another firm.
How Hi Tomorrow helps crane operators
We ask about the cranes you operate, how you are employed and what your benefits look like, then compare our panel for terms that suit the job. We explain how each policy treats a medical that stops you operating.
Operators close to a medical renewal sometimes ask whether to apply first. You must answer the health questions truthfully either way, but cover already in place before a problem appears is generally simpler. From the medical questions to the claim form, an adviser is there to help.