Proud to lead – doing it the right way and keeping everyone safe is critical to one of our supervisors on our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP), who brings over a decade of lifting experience to the project.
Brian Cole, crane co-ordinator for Mammoet on SRP, started as a slinger and worked his way through the ranks. Brian’s progression reflects his hands-on knowledge and leadership in critical lifting operations.
Now leading crane activities across the site, Brian is responsible for co-ordinating lifts, prioritising crane movements, and ensuring safe execution with minimal disruption.
He said: “It’s about making sure everyone’s properly briefed, understanding the Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS), and knowing the lift area is safe. We’re often working near 60 to 80 people, so communication and planning are everything.
“We’re stretched at times, but the lads always go the extra mile. They don’t just get the job done, they do it the right way.”
He also takes pride in the open, respectful culture he has helped shape:
“If someone’s not comfortable, they raise it. We deal with it straight away. That’s how we keep people safe.”
One of Brian’s proudest moments came after a recent briefing.
He added: “It really hit home what this building is for, part of the UK’s nuclear clean-up. It made me realise how important what we do here really is. It’s not just another lift, it’s contributing to something bigger.
“The scale, the people, the purpose, it all matters. I am proud to be part of something this important, working with a team that communicates well and looks out for each other.”
Brian’s leadership shows how clear communication, technical skill and trust in your team are essential when delivering complex, high pressure work, in a safety critical environment.
His approach reflects what Proud to Lead is all about, bringing experience, care and confidence to every lift.
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Mammoet operatives at our Sellafield Product and Residue Store Retreatment Plant (SRP) recently conducted a controlled dummy rescue exercise, using REAX self-descender equipment, to simulate an emergency evacuation from a tower crane.
Mammoet operatives regularly carry out rescue demonstrations at least four times per year. After each drill, the team conducts a debrief to assess areas for improvement.