More than half of all fatal crane injuries involved someone getting struck with some object or equipment. In many of those cases, these items were falling without support.
These kinds of risks are dangerous in the workplace, especially when there is heavy machinery and equipment all around you. Your place of employment is meant to be a safe space where every worker is well-trained and equipped to use heavy machinery.
These are just some ways to avoid crane and hoist incidents on the job.
Stay Aware of OSHA Requirements
One of the most critical parts of any construction job is staying on top of OSHA compliance. OSHA creates its regulations to keep everyone safe and prevent accidents from occurring.
Part of that includes learning how to operate various industrial lifting equipment.
Cranes and forklifts may require different training and certifications before you can operate them. You might also need to wear special personal protective equipment around them.
Avoid Overloading
Other than how to use your industrial crane, an important thing to know is the overhead crane limits.
To begin with, only some cranes are meant to handle the same level of weight. Some are meant more for movement within a warehouse, while others help load much larger loads.
Furthermore, incorrectly loading your crane can result in it tipping over. This risks damaging the equipment and any person in the vicinity.
Keep Equipment Maintained
Poorly maintained equipment won’t always function the way you expect them to. They’re more likely to malfunction or fail, which can be deadly when hoisting hundreds of pounds.
Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to optimizing crane safety and limiting the risk of accidents. OSHA sets specific requirements for these areas to help keep businesses accountable.
Regular Crane and Hoist Training
Proper training isn’t only about knowing how to avoid crane accidents. It’s also essential for handling emergencies.
Employers must ensure that all operators are trained and certified to use their equipment. It’s also essential for them to take regular refresher courses to help maintain their skills and avoid making mistakes.
Good Communication
Many crane and hoist accidents happen because of a lack of communication. Crane operators, signal personnel, and the workers around them all need to know where everyone is at all times. They then need to use hand signals and radio communication to verify that.
You should only proceed with a lift if there’s certainty about the safety of your coworkers.
Avoid Crane and Hoist Accidents
Employees need training, spatial awareness, and consistent communication to operate crane and hoist equipment. Even something as simple as incorrectly loading them can result in a catastrophic event. Nobody wants the injury of a coworker on their conscience.
Kor-Pak provides industrial parts for the nation’s leading manufacturers. We have both OEM and aftermarket products and the ability to reverse engineer and improve what you already have. Request a quote online or reach out for more information.