Improved Crane Operations and Competence Development in a Community of Practice

Abstract

This paper describes the lessons learnt in a five year effort to improve health, environment and safety (HES) in crane and lifting operations in the North Sea. We focus in particular on the roles of groupware tools and a crane simulator in skills development of a particular community of practice, and their role in sustaining and improving crane and lifting operations. This work shows the potential of participatory approaches to design in several respects: the combination of action research and ethnography, stakeholder involvement, dialogue in various arenas, development of new work practices and artefacts, and fmally, the politics involved in changing existing work practices and the implementation of new approaches to skills development and the improved quality of working life. We describe the context in which groupware tools and simulation training can become integrated in the operating business in order to improve the development of skills and the quality of working life for offshore crane operators, banks men and supply boat crew.