Cranes are incredibly useful tools in many cases. However, they don’t come without their risks, and naturally, this can put businesses at a great deal of potential risk. If this is something you have been concerned about, though, our experts are on hand to help - and we’ve summarized five crucial crane safety tips as follows that you should always keep in mind while working around these machines.

5 Critical Crane Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Needless to say, safety should always be a top priority when working alongside cranes; however, this can all too often go overlooked. With this in mind, making a change within your business to focus on safe operations is integral, and the following five crucial tips to keep in mind could prove helpful when working with cranes and other such heavy equipment.

Always Complete a Thorough Inspection First

Before operating a crane, conducting an investigation to inspect the equipment’s condition thoroughly is crucial. This step should include checking for any signs of wear and tear, ensuring that all safety devices are in place and functional, and verifying that the crane is on a stable surface. Regular maintenance and inspection schedules should also be strictly adhered to in order to prevent potential malfunctions during operation.

Implement Effective Communication and Signaling

Effective communication between crane operators and ground personnel is vital during crane operations. Clear and precise signaling processes should be in place to ensure that everyone involved in the lifting operation understands each other's commands and actions, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Understand the Maximum Load Capacity

When operating a crane or working around one, it’s crucial to be aware of the crane's load capacity (and never to exceed this limit). Indeed, overloading a crane can result in catastrophic consequences, including damage to the equipment, injury, or even loss of life. Operators should always refer to load charts and ensure that the weight of the load does not exceed the crane's capacity.

Consider the Weather Conditions

Before working, always check the weather first. Indeed, cranes should not be operated in adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, lightning storms, or heavy rains; these can compromise the stability and safety of the crane, increasing the risk of accidents.

Ensure All Operators are Fully Qualified

Unfortunately, operating a crane without the necessary expertise can be risky. As such, only properly trained and certified personnel should be allowed to operate cranes. NCCCO certification ensures that crane operators have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle crane operations safely and effectively. Employers should invest in providing comprehensive training for their crane operators to maintain a safe working environment.