Cranes are vital but dangerous on construction sites if not used properly. Common unsafe practices include overloading cranes beyond their specifications, which can cause loads or buildings to collapse. Side pulling with cranes is also dangerous as they are designed only for straight up and down lifting. Inspecting cranes daily and maintaining them regularly can help ensure safe operation and prevent accidents.

1. Recap on Crane Safety
Cranes are a vital yet possibly destructive force on construction sites and there are some
common practices that are not only foolish but extremely dangerous.
Some of these practices include:
Overloading – is a dangerous activity which can result in a load’s collapse. Always
follow the manufacturer’s specifications when loading and off-loading the crane. This is
the most dangerous activity that overhead cranes are involved in. Also sometimes the
crane may be able to withstand the load while the building it is attached to may not be.
The building that an overhead crane is attached to may collapse with the weight of the
excessive load.
Side pulling – is another dangerous activity. Hoists and cranes are designed to lift
straight up and lower straight down only.Side pull causes a number of dangerous
conditions which can result in accidents and serious injuries.
Not all hoists have secondary braking as many workers think which makes working
underneath a load extremely dangerous. This should never be done, even if a hoist
does have a secondary braking system. You should never stand under a loaded hoist.
Standing under a load has the potential to crush the skull and cause irreparable
damage.
A daily inspection should be carried out before beginning work with cranes to ensure
that it is working properly. Cranes should also be serviced and maintained regularly to
ensure it operates without any hitches. This inspection doesn’t require a maintenance
person, just a commonsense check list.
With just a little extra care and attention to safety accidents can be avoided and construction
workers can return home safely each day.
http://www.whitecardaustralia.com
1/1
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)