Crane Safety: Essential Precautions For Commercial Projects

What Are The Hazards In Crane Lifting?

Cranes have become a permanent feature of modern city skylines. These powerful machines are now a staple of construction projects, allowing bigger and bolder structures to be built.

If you are planning to use a crane for your commercial construction site, it is essential you follow the necessary precautions. Cranes must be used correctly and in an appropriately prepared environment in order to prevent dangerous accidents.

Be aware of the hazards of crane lifting and what preventative measures you are responsible for. Following crane safety standards is a legal requirement. The employer is responsible for safe planning, supervising and operation.

Read on to discover six of the most common dangers and what you can do to help prevent them.

1. Falling Loads

Falling loads are a primary hazard to take into account when using cranes for your project. The weight and momentum of a load can cause catastrophic damage to both property and human life. Workers on the ground and those operating nearby machinery are equally at risk. Additionally, the financial cost of repairing and replacing areas damaged by falling loads can be significant.

The people responsible for planning lifting operations must be well-educated in the practical and theoretical aspects of these tasks. Foreseeable risks are to be taken into account by carrying out a risk assessment.

Make sure to check that all loads are safely secured and that those supervising the load are trained to do so correctly.

2. Crane Collapse

Unfortunately, stories of crane collapses appear in the news every year. The vast majority of these cases are due to rushed assembly or checks. It is of the utmost importance that checks are carried out regularly and with great attention to detail.

Thorough examinations of cranes are strictly monitored by law. If you are hiring a crane, the examination will usually be booked by the hire company. However, it is the user’s responsibility to confirm that all required checks take place and that any paperwork and reports are correctly completed.

3. Power Lines

A crane coming into contact with an active power line poses an exceptionally hazardous threat. As cranes are made of metal, they rapidly conduct electricity. Failure to steer clear of these obstacles not only endangers the driver but also puts other workers on-site at grave risk of fatal electrocution.

Before bringing the crane to your site, be aware of any power lines on site or on the route to the site. If possible, disconnect the power lines around your site before construction begins.

4. Crane Overloads

Each crane model is specially designed to handle a certain load. Attempting to lift loads that exceed the lifting capacity detailed in a crane’s load chart can result in mechanical failures, structural damage and accidents. An incorrect load can undermine a crane’s stability and balance, potentially causing it to tip over or lose control during operation. This not only endangers the safety of the crane operator but also poses a significant risk to bystanders and surrounding structures.

Before choosing which crane to hire, be confident in the size and weight of the objects you will require it to lift. Consulting with experienced crane operators or engineers can help ensure that you choose the best crane for your project. Provide detailed information about your load to the hire company so they can recommend the most appropriate model.

5. PPE

PPE is a crucial protective measure for any commercial construction site. The equipment will protect your workers from hazards, including falling objects, moving machinery, electrical risks and exposure to harmful substances.

Ensure that all workers and visitors on your site possess the appropriate PPE and wear it as required.

6. Extreme Weather

Weather such as storms, strong winds, heavy rain or even snow can create conditions that are unsafe for cranes to operate in.

Check the weather forecast ahead of time and schedule accordingly. If weather warnings are in place, prepare by tying down loose objects and packing away equipment that could be blown over or damaged.

Choose a Reliable Crane Hire Company

Choosing a trustworthy and established crane hire company can significantly minimise hazards. Emerson Crane Hire in London has decades of experience in the industry. With a wide variety of cranes in our fleet and expert staff members, we are the company to contact for all your crane hire needs.

Get in Touch

Our team will be able to offer specialist advice on which crane will be best for your project and how to keep your workers safe. Call us today on 020 8548 3900.