At Lifting Systems, health, safety, quality, and environmental responsibility are more than just compliance checkboxes, they are the foundation of how we work. Under the leadership of Nick Thorburn, Group Head of QSHE, we’ve built a culture where doing things the right way is the only way. From overhead and gantry crane installations to bespoke lifting services, every decision we make is guided by one principle: Zero Harm.
QSHE: More Than Compliance
As Nick explains, QSHE isn’t a bolt-on or an afterthought. It runs through every part of the business, from design and planning to installation and aftermarket support. Every project is assessed against three simple questions:
- Does this protect our people?
- Is it up to the quality our clients expect?
- What’s the environmental impact?
By asking those questions at every stage, we ensure that lifting systems and services aren’t just delivered on time, they’re delivered responsibly, safely, and with integrity.
Managing Risks in Lifting Operations
Overhead and gantry crane projects naturally involve high-risk activities: working at height, suspended loads, tight schedules, and live environments. At Lifting Systems, we mitigate these risks through careful planning, proper design, and rigorous training.
Every project begins with a site-specific risk assessment. Our teams walk the space, map out load paths, define exclusion zones, and prepare detailed controls before a single lift begins. We insist on systems that are intuitive and safe by design, with access routes that don’t invite shortcuts.
And responsibility doesn’t sit with one person — it’s shared. Every team member has the authority to stop a job if something doesn’t feel right. That’s what a true Zero Harm culture looks like in practice.
Training and Integrated Systems
Safety at Lifting Systems isn’t just written in manuals, it’s built into our processes. Our Integrated Management System (IMS) combines safety, quality, and environmental standards into one framework that reflects real-world practice.
Aligned with BS EN 1090, this system ensures clarity, accountability, and consistency across the business. Training is role-specific and hands-on, covering everything from lifting operations and working at height to behavioural safety and site conduct. Toolbox talks, safety briefings, and real-time learning keep standards alive on every site.
Even customers benefit from this approach. We provide safe handovers, clear operator instruction, and post-installation guidance, ensuring systems are used safely long after the installation is complete.
Driving Environmental Responsibility
For Lifting Systems, sustainability is a responsibility, not a trend. Recent initiatives include:
- Waste segregation across workshops.
- Improved energy and utility efficiency.
- Leaner, smarter transport planning.
- A solvent recycling system in our spray painting operations, cutting VOC emissions, reducing hazardous waste, and lowering solvent usage.
By embedding sustainability into operations, we help customers achieve their own environmental goals, from lowering emissions to meeting ISO 14001 standards. It’s a win for compliance, cost-efficiency, and the planet.
Standing Out in the Industry
What makes Lifting Systems different is simple: we don’t chase compliance, we set higher standards. Our Think Zero campaign captures that mindset:
- Zero harm to people.
- Zero shortcuts on quality.
- Zero excuses when it comes to doing the right thing.
This culture of integrity means every overhead crane, every gantry, and every lifting service is delivered with the same commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability.
QSHE: More Than Compliance
As Nick puts it, “We don’t follow trends — we set them.” With new initiatives like solvent recycling, tighter integrated processes, and continued investment in training, we’re driving standards forward. Nick himself is pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Health & Safety to keep us ahead of the curve and ensure our customers benefit from the very latest thinking in QSHE.
At Lifting Systems, our promise is simple: safe, high-quality lifting systems and services that protect people, reduce impact, and deliver lasting value.
Contact us to learn more about how our commitment to QSHE can support your next project.
FAQs
What does QSHE mean at Lifting Systems?
QSHE stands for Quality, Safety, Health, and Environment. At Lifting Systems, it means embedding these standards into every stage of our lifting systems and services — from design and installation to aftermarket support.
How does Lifting Systems manage safety risks in overhead and gantry crane and lifting operations?
We carry out site-specific risk assessments, design safe systems, train competent teams, and empower everyone to stop work if something doesn’t feel right. Safety isn’t an add-on — it’s built into every process.
What training does Lifting Systems provide?
Our teams receive targeted training in lifting operations, safe working at height, electrical isolation, site conduct, and behavioural safety. Customers also receive clear handovers and operator instruction for safe use.
What environmental initiatives has Lifting Systems introduced?
We’ve rolled out waste segregation, energy efficiency improvements, and a solvent recycling system for spray painting operations — cutting VOC emissions, reducing waste, and lowering costs.
How do customers benefit from Lifting Systems’ focus on QSHE?
Customers gain safer, higher-quality, and more sustainable lifting systems, with lower lifetime costs, improved compliance, and peace of mind knowing their partner takes responsibility for people and the planet.
