New lorry cranes must install stability devices from 2025

They will warn operators when vehicles become unstable, eliminate toppling risk

- Mike Yeo

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.