According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in a five year period, from 2011 to 2015, there were a total of 220 crane-related deaths at different construction sites in the U.S.
Cranes are enormous machines that are used for a variety of purposes on a construction site, and lifting heavy equipment is one of the most common functions they perform. Unfortunately, a slight miscalculation in a lifting plan can lead to major consequences. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that an inefficient lifting plan can cause accidents such as boom collapse, overturned cranes, electrocutions and dropped loads causing injuries, fatalities and destruction!
When it comes to conducting a lifting operation with large cranes, make this quote by Yoga Sutra your mantra:
“Avert the danger that has yet to come.”
Here’s a safety checklist to help you ensure a safe and effective lifting operation.
1. Conduct a Walk-Around Inspection
The first thing you need to do before starting your lifting operation is to conduct a walk-around inspection to ensure that the lift is safe. All the emergency control and safety devices on the crane should be checked, and if leaks, damage or missing parts are found in any of the components of the machines, it’s extremely important to make all the repairs and replacements before continuing with the lifting operation.
2. Evaluate the Site
The next thing on your safety checklist should be an evaluation of the worksite itself. The surface of the worksite should be a level and plane field as slopes, bumps and overhead power lines can cause a risk of a crane accident.
3. Perform a Test
Initial function tests are extremely important to conduct as they’re the most effective in finding out any malfunctions and failures in the equipment before the final lift.
4. Evaluate Operators
The fourth safety measure on your lifting plan checklist should be evaluating the performance and competency of your crane operator. If they lack proper training and don’t possess the ability to conduct safe and secure operations then make sure they obtain the required training before working at your construction site.
5. Proper Storage
Once you’ve completed a safe lifting operation, you have to make sure that the operator shuts down the crane and stores it properly at a clean and secure area at the construction site.
Get In Touch With Crane Warning Systems Atlanta
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We have a wide range of Rayco Wylie safety equipment including ATB warning systems, safe load indicator systems, crane camera system, and more.
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