Liftinghero Edwin from the Netherlands
Safety is the most important thing to me on a construction site
When Edwin van Hove spots the cranes of the Sagrada Familia through the plane window on his way to Barcelona, he immediately knows that this will be no ordinary job. Just a few hours later, he is standing high above the city at one of the world’s most famous construction projects. But whether he is working on a world-renowned megaproject or a local construction site, Edwin always focuses on one thing: the safety of the people on site. The Dutch technician installs camera systems on cranes, giving crane operators a clear view when loads are being moved outside their direct line of sight. What may look like technology alone can make all the difference at critical moments.
“The better the visibility, the safer and more efficient the lift,” Edwin explains in the interview. For him, it is about far more than cameras and cables. It is about precision, responsibility and minimising risks for crane operators and ground crews. After all, nothing can be left to chance at critical moments on a construction site.
When visibility determines safety
For Edwin, every job comes with responsibility. One wrong movement, a misunderstood instruction or a moment of limited visibility can quickly become dangerous on a construction site. “Safety is the most important thing,” he says. “For the operator and for everyone on the ground.”
His work is especially important during complex lifts, on confined construction sites or when visibility is restricted. The camera systems he installs help minimise risks and make operations safer. Yet his work remains invisible to many. “Outside the industry, hardly anyone knows that we even exist,” Edwin says. And yet, every day, his work helps people stay safe on construction sites.
At one of the world’s most famous construction sites
Of all the projects Edwin has worked on, one stands out in particular: the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Even as the plane approached the city, he sensed that this job would be something special. “I saw the cranes from above and thought: That’s where I’ll be standing in a moment.” Getting to the top was challenging. There were strict safety requirements, long climbs up narrow staircases and tight passageways. Step by step, he made his way upwards. And then came that moment: “When I reached the top, it was simply incredible,” Edwin recalls.
He was not afraid. Nor did he have any real doubts. “It was more like getting goosebumps—in a good way.” Even so, the pressure was high: many weeks of preparation had gone into the job. Numerous colleagues had worked together to implement the solution for this exceptional project. When the camera was connected and the first image appeared, the relief was immense. The system worked exactly as planned, proving that the intensive preparation and the entire team’s hard work had paid off.
A job with responsibility
Working on and around cranes means taking responsibility. It also involves risk. “In this job, something can always happen,” Edwin says. That is precisely why he has such a special view of the people who work with cranes: “To me, everyone who works with cranes is a Liftinghero.”
And that is exactly what makes Edwin a Liftinghero too. His work often takes place behind the scenes, but every day it enables others to work, lift and build safely. Whether on a local construction site or high above the Sagrada Familia, safety always comes first for him.
What is a liftinghero in our opinion:
Tower cranes shape the image of every construction site. And what about the people who assemble, maintain, operate and work with the cranes? Whether crane operators, service technicians, fitters or construction site workers - you are the heroes of the construction site!
Only through you is the lifting of loads on the construction sites of this world possible.
Show us your workplace and tell us why your job is your passion.