Crane Safety Insights

Statistically, crane accidents are more likely to cause injuries and/or deaths than most other types of construction equipment, and a major contributing cause of most crane accidents is operational error.

Crane accidents are usually the result of failure to:

•     Maintain the crane in a safe condition
•     Properly inspect the crane
•     Properly calculate the load
•     Rig the load properly
•     Manually compute the load as a check-and-control measure against the crane computer
•     Understand the physics involved in crane operations and concepts of making a safe lift

Comprehensive training programs for crane operators are a must in order to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities associated with crane operations. Even lifts that seem routine should involve a short pre-job meeting with all personnel involved to review the risks associated with the lift, including the proper use of all lift equipment, signaling and rigging procedures.

General contractors and construction managers must ensure that subcontractors are competent and capable of making safe lifts. They should develop a checklist to verify that the equipment is functioning properly, and to verify the crane operator’s training, qualifications, skills and abilities. Performing these tasks is just a part of sound site management.

Companies that use cranes should provide detailed, thorough training, and properly plan lifts to ensure safely completed lifts.

Construction Business Owner, March 2010