Safety Awareness for Working Around Mobile Cranes

1. Struck-By the Crane or Counterweight
2. Struck-By the Load
3. Dropped Objects
4. Overloading the Crane
5. Electrocution Hazards
6. Poor Visibility
7. Wind and Weather Conditions
8. Unqualified Operator Errors

We’ll now go step-by-step to discuss each hazard and its solutions.

‍

1. 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.
       
2. 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.
       
3. 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 a hard hat at all times to protect against falling objects.
       
4. 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 rigger.
     • Follow the crane’s load capacity limits precisely.
       
5. Electrocution Hazards
   
   
   • Hazard: Cranes that come into contact with power lines can energize the equipment and cause electrocution.
     
     
   • Solution:
     • Maintain safe distances from power lines as required by OSHA.
     • If a crane approaches power lines, immediately notify the operator and signal person.
     • Never touch a crane in contact with an energized line—stay clear and alert others.
       
6. Poor Visibility
   
   
   • Hazard: The crane operator’s limited view can cause accidents, especially in crowded work areas.
     
     
   • Solution:
     • Stay visible to the operator and signal person.
     • If a crane is moving toward a hazard, immediately communicate with the signal person to stop operations.
     • Follow designated walkways and avoid blind spots.
       
7. Wind and Weather Conditions
   
   
   • Hazard: Strong winds can destabilize crane operations.
     
     
   • Solution:
     • Adjust your position if the wind picks up suddenly.
     • Be aware of the crane’s boom and load movements during windy conditions.
     • Pause operations if weather conditions become unsafe.
       
8. Unqualified Operator Errors
   
   
   • Hazard: Mistakes by untrained or unauthorized operators can endanger everyone on-site.
     
     
   • Solution:
     • Only authorized, qualified personnel should operate cranes.
     • Never attempt to operate a crane without proper training and certification.
     • Follow site-specific procedures and protocols.