In 2009, more than 150 construction workers died due to being struck by vehicles. One of the most deadly hazards is being struck by cranes or crane parts.
The following video shows how a worker standing on an area out of the driver’s rear view can lead to the crane’s unloading positioning swings to hit him. In this situation, no barricades were placed to keep other people from coming in the working area were the swinging cranes were and in result this is what happened.
Accidents like this occur within seconds and that is why underestimating simple preventative procedures like the ones shown here should not be an option. Take these steps and help reduce the chance of you and your employees ever experiencing a tragic accident like this!
Here are some tips provided from OSHA:
- Cranes are to be operated only by qualified and trained personnel.
- A designated competent person must inspect the crane and all crane controls before use.
- Be sure the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level.
- During assembly/disassembly do not unlock or remove pins unless sections are blocked and secure (stable).
- Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane’s swing radius.
- Watch for overhead electric power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from the lines.
- Inspect all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load.
- Be sure to use the correct load chart for the crane’s current configuration and setup, the load weight and lift path.
- Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts.
- Raise load a few inches, hold, verify capacity/balance, and test brake system before delivering load.
- Do not move loads over workers.
- Be sure to follow signals and manufacturer instructions while operating cranes.
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