1. Hazard of Cranes on a Construction Site
Source: Graham Richardson
Cranes are as common on a construction site as any other machinery or equipment. Workers
should be trained and certified to operate a crane on a construction site before they are
requested to do so by the contractor. This is important because operating a crane can be tricky
and can result in a number of incidents.
Perhaps cranes are made even more dangerous by the fact that each of its part’s presents a
separate hazard which operators must be mindful of and prepared for.
One of these components is the hoist which lifts the load. Any failure with this component could
result in injury and even death of workers on the site below.
Another component that may become problematic is the control panel. This part of the crane
contains the electrical components and controls the operation of the crane.
Operators need to be trained in the hand signals to use when communicating with ground crew
in order to be able to communicate regarding the direction the crane should move.
One of the most common accidents that occur due to crane mishaps is when an overhead
cranes load falls and crushes people below. Because the crane’s load is usually very large and
heavy it can cause huge damage to property, the site, equipment and people below. For this
reason it is important to inspect the area where the crane is about to operate to ensure that any
falling objects or debris will not injure or kill a person in the area below.
Another risk that operators should avoid is dragging heavy items across the ground for a far
distance. This action can cause a side pull which may result in injury if the load capsizes. It is
important that the load be balanced evenly and lifted slowly and steadily to avoid
toppling.Operators should keep the cables in the view, making sure that it does not become
frayed or knotted during lifting.
1/2

2. There is another hazard that we have not yet mentioned but is just as deadly as the previous
ones. That is the hazard presented by overhead crane operation. This can result in the crane
coming into contact with overhead power lines and electrocuting the operator. Many workers
have been electrocuted in this way. Some of the injuries that workers can suffer include electric
shocks and burns when the crane makes contact with live overhead lines.
The risk of a fire or explosion breaking out is also present that may immobilise mobile plant and
cause great injury or death to the operator.
Planning is crucial when it comes to crane operation and avoiding incidents. By being prepared
and identifying power lines in advance, conducting a risk assessment prior to work beginning
and ensuring the machinery is in good working order before beginning work, many of the
incidents involving cranes can be avoided.
Hazard of Cranes on a Construction Site
2/2
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)