If not used correctly, a crane can easily become a death trap on a job site. A report by the BLS indicated that more than 72 crane-related fatal occupational injuries were reported in 2006. Construction laborers, electricians, welders, and cutters were among the most frequent victims of crane accident injuries and deaths.
Why are crane accidents so common? Part of the answer is the misconceptions prevalent about the use of this machine.
Here are some common myths about crane use that you should beware of.
Myth: You Can Go Over the Load Limit by A Few Tons
No, you can’t! Cranes come with specific load limits that shouldn’t be exceeded, not even by a ton!
Overloading a crane beyond its capacity can mean trouble; it can over tip the machine, collapse a boom and put everyone on the construction site at risk of severe injuries. To ensure that you’re always staying within the limit, you can add load indicating devices to the crane.
Myth: Cranes Can Hoist Objects Sideways
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about crane use people have is that cranes can also hoist heavy objects placed nearby. According to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, cranes are designed only to lift the objects that are placed right below it.
Attempting a side-pull with a crane can cause a number of safety hazards. It can also damage the machine as a side-pull puts extra stress on the rope, which can cause it to snap.
Myth: It’s Okay to Work Underneath a Load
Because all hoists have secondary brakes, ground workers often think that it’s completely safe to work underneath or near a load that’s being lifted. The truth is that this practice is extremely dangerous! Primary brake failure and free-falling load, it can lead to severe injuries and even death.
Myth: There’s No Need for Daily Inspections
Just because your crane worked perfectly fine yesterday and you carried out operations successfully, doesn’t mean that it’ll be the same today as well! Daily crane inspections should be standard practice at your construction site. Assign a trained supervisor to check the machine before every single lift.
Looking to upgrade your crane with high-quality safety equipment in Atlanta? Get in touch with Crane Warning Systems Atlanta.
We provide top-quality crane warning systems to customers that are both, cost-effective and user-friendly. From Anti Two Block systems that alert crane operators regarding incoming dangers to crane RCI indicator that prevent overloading accidents, we have it all!
Contact us today for more information.
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