The construction site is inspected weekly by the BMW plant fire brigade, the health and safety coordinator, the BMW and PORR occupational safety officers, the BMW risk management team and the site supervisor to ensure safety on the construction site at all times, taking into account changes and construction progress. This is how the idea of a joint crane rescue exercise with the Munich professional fire brigade came about. A practical simulation was planned. The aim of the exercise was to test the processes and communication between the two fire departments and to promote occupational safety processes in the project.
Simulation of an emergency
In the exercise, an emergency was simulated in which a crane operator, played by a member of the plant fire department, found himself in a critical situation. The plant fire department was called to the crane and immediately requested the support of the height rescue team. They quickly left their location and made their way to BMW Group Plant Munich.
Mission under realistic conditions
The height rescue team impressively demonstrated their skills by lowering the ‘injured’ man on a stretcher from a height of around 80 metres. The exercise demanded a great deal of the emergency services: fog, ongoing construction work, narrow paths and the normal delivery traffic necessary for just-in-time production supply presented the rescue services with difficult but realistic conditions. Despite these challenges, the exercise went smoothly and everyone involved was very satisfied with the way it went.
‘The safety and health of our employees are our top priority. A safe working environment minimises the risk of accidents and injuries, which not only protects the well-being of our employees but also increases productivity. For the construction project, successful cooperation between the BMW plant fire brigade and the Munich professional fire brigade is essential to ensure the highest level of safety and a fast, smooth response in the event of an emergency,’ explains Martin Sonnberger, Head of Occupational Health and Safety at PORR AG.