The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites over 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries annually. It’s critical that industrial plants limit the likelihood of accidents that can cause incidents.
Preventing crane accidents may sound challenging, but you can mitigate risk in some simple ways. Read on to learn how to ensure crane safety for employees and supervisors.
Choose Quality Accessories
Your equipment requires quality brakes and accessories to minimize risk. Well-made electric and secondary brakes decrease the potential for brake failure. Reinforced hooks and accessories ensure the crane can handle heavy loads without breaking or dropping them.
Research available options and purchase accessories from a reputable source. Make sure that you know the specifications of your crane so that you can meet size and weight requirements when ordering.
Inspect Equipment Adequately
Make sure to inspect your equipment daily. Most crane accidents are not the result of misuse but instead happen during routine operations.
Look at the handling and weighing equipment before operating heavy machinery. This will ensure that everything is in order so you can remain safe.
Consider creating a safety checklist with a concrete list of actions to take during the inspection process. That way, you will not forget simple checks that could avoid devastating consequences.
Train Qualified Operators
Not just anyone can operate an industrial crane. OSHA has fairly strict requirements for who can utilize one. This makes sense, considering that cranes are unique pieces of heavy equipment that could cause fatal consequences for untrained users.
Those operating cranes must have gone through extensive training. They need certification to operate the machinery. Additionally, this entails receiving a physical and mental readiness assessment from workers on the job site.
Create an Ideal Work Area
You need to use your crane in an area with ample space for maneuvering. Ensure it’s large enough for the crane to move about freely.
This means planning the crane’s path ahead of its use. You must clear the area of obstacles and hazards. If you can’t get rid of certain fixtures, like buildings, it’s essential that everyone knows their whereabouts and keeps a safe distance from them.
An ideal workspace also means one that is free of distractions. Ask that operators shut off their cell phones if they are not using them to communicate with workers on the ground.
A signal person should also lead the crane from the ground while it moves. Their vantage point is a surefire way to avoid obstacles.
Perform Daily Checks
In addition to routine inspection, you will need to perform daily operator checks on the crane.
Make sure that the basic features work properly. Operators must be able to move and control the crane predictably.
After that, make sure that the engine starts up correctly.
Finally, test the safety systems in place on the crane. Doing this daily is critical to ensuring that accident-preventing failsafe works properly.
Minimize the Risk of Crane Accidents
Now that you know some tips for preventing crane accidents, it’s time to upgrade your industrial plant with quality parts. Our team is committed to providing long-lasting products from trusted manufacturers.
Request a quote from Kor-Pak to learn more about the costs of your specific needs.