Operating a crane should not only be done with caution, it should also be done with intelligence and competence. It may be a cliché to say that most of these rules have been written in blood, but it is true. When mistakes are made while operating a crane, it can result in injury or death. These safety tips will tell you how to avoid this.
It is important that all construction workers wear their safety gear or personal protective equipment. Ignorant or incompetent personnel can be the main cause of overhead crane accidents. Planning ahead and knowing the area where the crane will be operated is of utmost importance. This piece of advice will help overhead crane operators and other construction workers go about things with safe feeling when an overhead crane is needed for a job. From selecting the most qualified operator for the job to checking the mechanical functions of the crane, there are quite a lot of aspects to take into consideration. Keep in mind that there may be elements that are out of your control, yet it is best to be prepared for all situations.
Any construction business has a budget and a target to reach, by ensuring workspace safety, you reduce injuries and in result, medical fees. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that all employees are properly trained and are wearing the appropriate gear. They should protect their heads, feet and eyes in order to be completely safe on site. Be sure to inform your workers about any weight limits, as failure to do so can result in materials being dropped.
Choose a supervisor to keep a look out while the crane operator is doing his job and make sure that all safety planning is done by a qualified candidate before operating a crane. The weather can be unpredictable. It is important that all construction workers are aware of the dangers of operating a crane while heavy rain is falling or in the event of strong winds. An overhead crane cannot function normally if the weather does not play along. Therefore, it is important to avoid working with a crane while experiencing heavy wind or rain. These conditions can cause material to slip out of the hoist and fall onto people or buildings which can result in legal costs.
Furthermore, a crane operator should make sure that the area is cleared before lifting and moving heavy materials. A warning sign should be used when the crane is being operated and other construction workers should avoid standing below the crane at all costs. Avoid working with an overhead crane if there is a minor system malfunction. Operators should also avoid operating the machinery if they are feeling under the weather or medicated in any way. Once again, this is not just for the safety of the operator, but the buildings, machinery and people surrounding the construction site.