Marr implements world-first crane safety tech
Marr Contracting (Marr) has become the first business in the UK to implement new crane safety technology, The Buddie System, on the High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd Old Oak Common station site.
Marr were the first to adopt the innovative Australian-developed system on two Sydney sites—Sydney Metro Airport Terminal Station and the Sydney House mixed-sed development—in September 2025.
After rolling the system out across its Australian fleet, Marr’s crane crew working with Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Joint Venture (BBVSJV) on the HS2 Old Oak Common station site became the first to implement the system in the UK.
Developed by experienced crane industry professionals Gary Panagiotidis and Jade Harris, The Buddie System’s world-first technology is a wireless safety alert device designed for crane operators and dogmen / slinger signallers to reduce the risk of accidents caused by two-way radio issues or miscommunication between crane crews.
With up to 30 percent of crane incidents caused by miscommunication between operators and ground crews, The Buddie System has real potential to prevent injuries and fatalities on construction sites by allowing dogmen to instantly alert crane operators to stop if something goes wrong.
“The Buddie System is brilliant. I’ve been in the construction industry for more than 38 years and haven’t come across anything else like it. It’s a simple, potentially life-saving solution that fills a critical gap where loss of communication has too often led to accidents and injuries,” says Andy Donkin, Marr’s Appointed Person – Lifting Operations on the HS2 Old Oak Common site.
“Innovation is part of Marr’s DNA, and The Buddie System is a demonstration of innovative technology that supports our commitment to safety by providing another layer of control to reduce risk. As leaders in our sector, it was important to us that the technology was designed by industry professionals who’ve worked at the frontline of construction projects and understand the real risks of crane and lifting operations,” said Marr’s incoming Head of HSEQ-Global, Nicole Lawler.
Since launching last year, The Buddie System has been rolled out across more than 20 businesses and 35 construction sites in Australia to-date. In addition to the UK, has plans to introduce into the United States, Canada and mainland Europe later this year.
The innovation has also been recognised as a Finalist in the Excellence in Safety category at the 2025 annual LEEA Awards, the Innovation category of the 2025 Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) Awards, and the Safety Solution of the Year category in the 2025 Australian Work Safe Awards (to be announced on 26 February 2026).
“Marr has always stood out as a company that leads from the front when it comes to innovation and safety. Big cranes, big lifts, and big responsibilities—Marr’s reputation is built on getting all three right, making them the perfect launch partner in Australia and now the UK,” said The Buddie System Co-founders, Gary Panagiotidis and Jade Harris.
