1. Construction Safety Talks
Crane Counter- Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.
Weights It is important that you talk to your crew about the danger of the
crane’s counterweight. Since cranes don't swing that fast, you
No. 10 wouldn't think that the counterweight could do much damage. If
you are ever hit by a counterweight, chances are you won't be
hurt. In open space, you will probably just get knocked down or
pushed aside and feel embarrassed.
How This Talk
Applies To My However, if you get caught between the counterweight and the
Crew:
chassis, or between a stationary object like a wall or parked
vehicle, chances are you'll be seriously hurt or killed. This pinch
point will crush or rip anything caught between the moving
counterweight and the stationary object.
Remind the crew that the operator and signal person are not
looking at the counterweight or at them. Their concern is the boom
and the load being hoisted.
What Can We Do To Control The Problem?
• Eliminate the pinch point. Locate the crane away from any
stationary object. Remember that you don't have to put the
crane very far away. Leave at least two feet of clearance so
that someone can pass between the counterweight and a
fixed object.
• If you are an equipment operator, make sure that you are
not creating any pinch points for yourself or any one else by
parking your machine too close to any stationary object.
• If tight job conditions force a pinch point, make sure that it is
barricaded with signs that warn of the hazard. Use rope,
wire, or chain to mark the area as off limits. Make sure there
is another way for workers on the job to pass through the
area.
• Finally, if for some reason you can not barricade the pinch
point, provide warning to everyone on the job. Use orange
or yellow safety tape. Check it daily and replace where
needed.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1

2. • "Boilers" are most often injured by swinging cranes. The operator should always
know where the oilier is working. If the oilier must go into a hazardous spot, the
crane should be shut down. You should consider doing the maintenance at lunch
time or at some other time when the crane is idle.
Crane Safety Tips
• Never take a shortcut behind a crane.
• If you have to walk near the crane, make eye contact with the operator so you
are sure they know you’re there!
Try This For Show And Tell!
Do a quick sketch of your job site. Show it to the crew and point out:
• where the crane(s) is (or is going to be)
• the only acceptable ways to enter and exit the site.
Questions You Can Use To Get Them Talking:
• Are we doing a good job of controlling pinch point hazards on this job site? If not,
where's the problem and what do we need to do?
• What are the different ways you can get the operator's attention?
Attended By:
The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2