When it comes to construction or industrial workplaces, mobile and tower cranes do most of the heavy lifting. They’re essential pieces of machinery for any job site, logistics hub, or production facility. Numerous industries rely on them to perform vital tasks and maintain productivity.
Unfortunately, the constant presence of cranes tends to lull many into a false sense of security. When operated under strict security guidelines, cranes pose little to no danger. However, when such guidelines get ignored—as they often are—both people and machinery are at risk of accidents.
According to a report published by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), 323 crane-related deaths took place from 1992-2006. In this blog, we’ll list several crane safety guidelines that shouldn’t be ignored.
Only Qualified Workers Should be Allowed to Operate the Crane
Specialized knowledge is required to operate these complex and heavy pieces of machinery. As such, it’s important only to permit qualified personnel to operate the machinery. Operators must not only have the right expertise but should also be well-versed on all the safety procedures.
Routine Crane Inspections
Inspecting both the load as well as the equipment before the lifting operation is another important aspect of crane safety. For instance, visually inspect the boom and cables for signs of cracks or wear. If the equipment appears to be damaged, don’t hesitate to delay the lift and have any required repairs completed.
Additionally, the load must never exceed the set limits and should be inspected before each lift to ensure that it’s properly secured.
Clear the Area
A safe workplace isn’t just the supervisor’s responsibility. Each worker should be aware of the safety perimeter around the crane. Routine safety briefings reinforce the importance of sticking to safety guidelines.
Never Rush the Lift
The most common cause of crane-related accidents and injuries isn’t faulty equipment, but rather due to carelessness. With time, workers get comfortable with the tools and machinery and start to cut corners to get the work completed faster. Supervisors should ensure that safety procedures are properly followed.
In addition to these tips, construction workers should be encouraged to attend training workshops which help to educate everyone regarding the real dangers of crane operations. Crane Warning Systems Atlanta provides crane capacity systems that help protect both the workers and machinery from harm. These include crane load monitoring system, anti-two-block systems, wind speed indicators, overload indicators, and camera systems. Contact us today for more information
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