Safety Awareness for Working Around Mobile Cranes
The Problem
Mobile cranes are essential tools on construction sites, but they come with serious risks. Struck-by incidents, dropped loads, electrical hazards, and poor visibility can all result in serious injuries or fatalities. Without awareness and proper precautions, working around cranes can quickly become dangerous. Today, we’ll focus on identifying these hazards and learning how to prevent incidents when working near mobile cranes.
Identify the Hazards
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Struck-By the Crane or Counterweight
Hazard: Swinging counterweights or crane parts can strike or crush workers.
Solution:
- Always maintain a safe distance from the crane and counterweights.
- Never enter areas marked by barricades or warning signs.
- Stay out of the crane’s blind spots and avoid standing directly in front of or behind it.
Struck-By the Load
Hazard: Workers can be struck by moving or suspended loads.
Solution:
- Never stand under a suspended load.
- Use tag lines to control the load and maintain a safe distance.
- Stay alert and aware of the crane’s lifting operations.
Dropped Objects
Hazard: Tools, equipment, or materials can fall from the crane and strike workers below.
Solution:
- Avoid standing beneath the crane boom or deck.
- Be cautious of workers placing tools or materials in unsafe positions.
- Wear your safety helmet at all times to protect against falling objects.
Overloading the Crane
Hazard: Exceeding the crane's load capacity can cause structural failure or tipping.
Solution:
- Never add materials to a load without approval from a qualified competent person.
- Follow the crane’s rated capacity limits precisely.
Electrocution Hazards
Hazard: Cranes that come into contact with power lines can energize the equipment and cause electric shock.
Solution:
- Maintain safe distances from power lines as required by Canadian regulations and CCOHS guidelines.
- If a crane approaches power lines, immediately notify the operator and spotter.
- Never touch a crane in contact with live lines—stay clear and warn others.
Poor Visibility
Hazard: The crane operator’s limited view can cause accidents, especially in congested work areas.
Solution:
- Stay visible to the operator and the spotter.
- If a crane is moving toward a hazard, immediately alert the spotter to stop operations.
- Follow designated walkways and avoid blind spots.
Wind and Weather Conditions
Hazard: Strong winds can destabilize crane operations.
Solution:
- Adjust your position if the wind picks up suddenly.
- Monitor boom and load movements during high winds.
- Cease operations if weather becomes unsafe.
Unqualified Operator Errors
Hazard: Mistakes by untrained or unauthorized operators can endanger everyone on-site.
Solution:
- Only competent, certified personnel should operate cranes.
- Never attempt to operate a crane without formal training.
- Follow your site’s crane safety procedures.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a recent building site, a worker ignored barricades around a crane’s swing area and was struck by the counterweight. Luckily, the injury was minor, but the outcome could have been fatal. Simply staying clear of restricted areas would have prevented the incident.
Employee Responsibilities
- Always maintain safe distances from cranes and suspended loads.
- Obey all warning signs, barricades, and access controls.
- Report unsafe conditions or equipment faults immediately.
- Do not operate a crane unless trained and authorized.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide certified crane operators who meet Canadian competency requirements.
- Ensure cranes are regularly inspected, maintained, and safe to use.
- Establish swing area barricades and exclusion zones.
- Train workers on crane hazards and site-specific safety procedures.
Discussion & Questions
- What are the biggest hazards you’ve noticed when working around mobile cranes?
- Have you seen any near misses or incidents involving cranes?
- How do you make sure you stay visible and safe when cranes are operating?
Encourage open sharing and feedback from workers.
Commitment/Action Plan
Starting today, let’s commit to maintaining clear exclusion zones, keeping away from suspended loads, and reporting all unsafe crane operations. Stay alert and prioritize communication with crane operators and spotters.
Wrap-Up
Mobile crane incidents are preventable when we follow safe work practices, respect exclusion zones, and communicate clearly. Let’s protect ourselves and our team by staying alert and compliant. Thank you for putting safety first.
Standards Overview
Mobile crane incidents are preventable when we follow safe work practices, respect exclusion zones, and communicate clearly. Let’s protect ourselves and our team by staying alert and compliant. Thank you for putting safety first.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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