Workplace Safety for Cranes: Tips to Avoid Accidents

Working with cranes can be dangerous, with a high risk of accidents. Many factors contribute to the risk of accidents, including the type of crane, operator experience and training, operating procedures, lighting conditions and unaddressed safety risks. To reduce the risk of accidents in your organization, follow these tips.

Workplace Safety for Cranes: Tips to Avoid Accidents
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1 - Establish a clear safety policy.

Create a written safety policy that outlines how your organization will ensure safe working conditions for workers and prevent workplace injuries. You must also create a safety committee that consists of representatives from different departments and works towards continuous improvement of the company’s workplace safety practices. In addition to creating policies that address unsafe working conditions such as maintenance restrictions and confined spaces, you must also have an emergency action plan ready in case an accident does occur.

2 - Conduct training for new employees.

New employees should receive training early on in their employment on how to use cranes properly and safely. This step will help new employees understand the importance of following safety procedures, which will make it easier for them to work with cranes in the future.

3 - Inspect your cranes regularly.

Cranes should be inspected regularly, and a daily check-out is recommended. Hill & Moin, who are New York crane accident attorneys told us that a checklist of the crane's condition should be mandatory.

4 - Plan for maintenance and repairs.

Plan for maintenance and repairs in advance of any major crane operation. Establish a clear schedule for when maintenance will take place, who will be performing the work, what materials are needed, how long it will take and how much it will cost. In addition to planning out work with your colleagues, you should also have a separate list of tasks that should not be performed at any time during operations.

5 - Identify hazards in the workplace.

Since cranes are often used in confined spaces, it is crucial to identify any potential hazards. The most common hazards in a crane-based workplace include the following: a) Objects near the boom can get caught and cause an accident. b) Loose equipment on the ground can fall off or get tangled up with the crane’s arm. c) Workers may not be aware of a dangerous condition and will not recognize when they’re in danger. d) The operator may have poor visibility and not see obstacles that present a dangerous situation.

6 - Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that employers provide each worker with personal protective equipment. This includes eye-wear, hand protection, head protection, foot protection and clothing or apron. Employers must also provide training for workers on how to use the equipment properly and keep it clean.

7 - Be aware of weather conditions at all times.

Workplaces can be dangerous with the right weather conditions. For example, working on a construction site during high winds can put your workers at risk of being blown off a crane or getting hit by debris in the air. To ensure safety, make sure that you are aware of weather conditions before beginning work and have an emergency plan in place for windy days.

8 - Strive for continuous improvement.

Continuous improvement is an important part of workplace safety. Safety is a dynamic process that changes over time, so the most valuable thing you can do is maintain a sense of urgency towards safety and work to improve it through processes such as risk assessment and evaluation. This can help you prevent future accidents and make your company more profitable.

Conclusion

As an employer or crane operator, it is crucial to take workplace safety seriously at all times. By focusing on the key steps above – including conducting regular training and inspections, identifying hazards in the workplace, providing proper PPE, and paying attention to weather conditions – you can help ensure safe and efficient operations with your cranes. Through continuous improvement and a commitment to safety, you can help keep your workers out of harm's way while maximizing productivity.