Safety Awareness for Working Around Mobile Cranes

• Struck-By the Crane or Counterweight
  
  
• Struck-By the Load
  
  
• Dropped Objects
  
  
• Overloading the Crane
  
  
• Electrocution Hazards
  
  
• Poor Visibility
  
  
• Wind and Weather Conditions
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• Unqualified Operator Errors
  

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 competent person.
  
• Follow the crane’s rated capacity limits precisely.
  

Electrocution Hazards
Hazard: Cranes that come into contact with power lines can energise the equipment and cause electric shock.
Solution:

• Maintain safe distances from power lines as required by WorkSafe NZ.
  
• 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 destabilise 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 unauthorised 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.