Cranes generally move heavy things, so one has to be careful not to hit people or things with one’s load, right? What are some ways to prevent crane accidents?

Ideally, the appropriate crane should be used for the job. That means choosing between such options as a mobile or fixed crane, and further narrowing it down to specifics such as a carry deck crane, crawler crane, rough terrain crane, etc. 

Have Qualified Crane Operators

Not only does the actual crane need to be appropriate for the job, but the personnel working the crane need to be qualified to do so in order to prevent accidents. If the crew isn’t trained, certified and evaluated, you might have trouble. Professionals take their job seriously and they adhere to regulations. They’ve read the operator manuals. They pay attention to load capacities, safety mechanisms, stabilizers and counterweights, etc. 

Follow a Detailed Checklist

When you leave a crane overnight and then come back to it, or are not there at the crane for some time, anything could happen, ranging from kids playing with it, animals nesting in it, thieves stealing from it, or parts breaking… So, it’s best to perform daily operator checks to ensure the crane is in good working order. Have a checklist of things to look at, and then go over all those things before the crane is put to use. For instance, operators should check tire conditions, oil levels, batteries, fuel levels, the rated capacity limiter and outriggers. 

Clear Pathways For Mobile Cranes

If travel is involved with a crane, clear obstacles on the path– or at least figure out a way to safely avoid them. Be on the lookout for things such as power lines. Before rigging a crane, stabilize it– you don’t want it to tip over. Use outrigger/crane pads underneath outriggers, and make sure the outriggers are placed on steady ground. 

Put the Right Calculations in Place

Rigging loads involves taking into consideration certain things such as the sling angle or hitching. Understanding how force, weight distributions, load radius, load limits and rigging techniques work can help prevent accidents. 

Operating cranes can be a complex and detailed process, but in the end it beats having to use one’s back to lift and move heavy loads.