The complexity of lifting operations in major construction projects involves many issues to be planned for - safety being the foremost. With over thirty years experience in lifting and plant operations, planning is second nature to me, as is risk assessment. While these are carried out as a matter of routine, each assessment and each plan is unique to the operation, the site and the conditions on the day. As an Appointed Person, I make sure every lift is safe and effective, and conducted within the relevant standards and regulations.I have hands-on experience of most of the lifting equipment that I supervise, including a wide range of cranes plus 360 telehandlers, telescopic forklifts, and many other plant items. As well as equipment, lifting involves highly skilled professionals: crane operators, crane lift supervisors, and slingers/signallers. Whether part of my team, or sub-contractors, it is my responsibility to ensure the competence of these people. It has been my pleasure over the years to train new operators, while at the same time, continuing to learn myself. There are always new developments to assimilate: new equipment, new techniques, and new tools such as Intelligent Crane Control software.Lifting operations do not happen in isolation. They are part of a chain of events, each relying on the one before, and often taking place in the same location. Communication is essential to safety and to project progress. If project priorities change, then lifting operations may need to change, and to do so quickly. For such reasons, I liaise closely with Project Directors, Site Agents, Foremen. I often need to explain complex operations in simple terms in order to ensure that vital information is understood. I must also be clear and accurate in the documentation for which I am responsible, including Lift Plan Risk Assessments and Method Statements. For safe and effective lifting operations, I have found that the key factors are communication and cooperation.