Darcy Blackwood

Operated a wide range of crawler cranes across major infrastructure projects including Tideway, HS2, and the Riverlinx Tunnel, working in high-pressure environments where precision and programme delivery were critical. Regularly carried out complex lifting operations, including blind lifts and lifts within confined spaces such as tunnel shafts, requiring clear communication and a strong understanding of lift planning.

Developed strong coordination skills through close daily work with slinger/signallers, supervisors, and steel erection teams, ensuring loads were positioned accurately and safely to allow efficient installation. Experience includes repetitive and system-based lifting operations such as shutter assembly and dismantling, man-basket operations, and heavy lifts including large MEWPs. This role sharpened my spatial awareness, attention to detail, and ability to work safely around others during structural installation activities.

Worked as part of piling gangs on complex sites involving heavy plant, restricted access, and live environments including motorways and rail corridors. Responsible for slinging and directing heavy and awkward loads, including tandem lifts of 20-metre reinforcement cages assembled with minimal tolerance for error.

Regularly involved in de-rigging piling rigs and coordinating movements of multiple machines in confined areas, developing a strong sense of sequencing, positioning, and safe systems of work. The role required forward planning, clear communication, and a high level of situational awareness to protect both the workforce and the public. This experience built a strong foundation in working accurately with large steel components and supporting safe, efficient installation on site.