The US construction market is one of the largest in the world, with yearly expenditures soaring above $1,293 billion in 2018! The industry suffered quite a setback following the housing crisis in 2008, but has managed to pick up in the aftermath.

It currently employs 10.7 million people, making it one of the biggest avenues of employment in the country.

By 2023, this mega-industry is expected to hit a record CAGR of 4.9% and an annual revenue of $1,804 billion! Much of the credit for this success can be attributed to the government’s increased commitment to making the sector grow with favorable fiscal policies.

But before you step into the business of construction, let’s take you through some of the common myths that you need to leave behind:

Myth #1: You need to have great physical strength to be a construction worker

While it’s true that you need to have a certain level of strength to load and carry heavy objects, you don’t need to be hitting the gym five days a week.

Just like any other industry, construction requires you to use your brain more than your muscles. You’ll be provided with the right heavy lifting equipment, like pulleys, lift tables, and rollers, so you won’t have to put in too much physical effort.  

If you’re a site manager, you need to make sure that you’ve carried out the right research and have chosen equipment as per the specific requirements of the kinds of payloads you deal with. Common heavy lifting devices include hoists (used to lower a load using a lift-wheel), various types of cranes, power shovels, telescopic handlers, and fork-lifts.

Myth#2: Construction work is dangerous

Before we go any further, you need to know that construction safety is an entire industry of its own. The Occupational Safety and Health Act has laid down well-defined rules for the use and operation of cranes.

OSHA also lays down specific conditions for crane operator certification that must be complied with. As per these requirements, all construction companies are required to develop risk management plans, hold routine safety meetings, and monitor the safety of their workers.

OSHA gives every worker the right to check whether or not their employer is paying the right attention to worker safety, as well as the ability to file a complaint. When a complaint is filed, OSHA will inspect the workplace and, at the same time, will also keep all identities confidential.

The worker can also file a complaint if they’ve been retaliated against for exercising their rights.

Myth #3: Cranes are highly susceptible to accidents

Crane warning systems exist in the form of anti-two-block systems; unfortunately, people forget about this. These systems warn crane operators about an impending two-block accident in advance.

Two-block accident is a term that originates from block and tackle terminology. Block represent the two pulleys (both upper and lower). Such accidents take place during winching up when the lower hook block is raised to the extent that it touches the boom tip. This a highly dangerous situation where the wire rope could break, causing the load to fall to the ground.

The anti-two-block warning system, on the other hand, comes with both visual and audio alarms to keep the operator informed of any danger.

If you’re looking for reliable A2B warning systems, look no further than Crane Warning Systems Atlanta. We stock and service both wireless and wired crane a2b systems. Call us at 1-877-672-2951 or browse our online store to learn more about crane safety systems.