FACTS

Hazards all employees involved in crane lifting operations should take into account

1. Pre-Use Operational Inspection – Making sure that the crane, rigging, rigging hardware and attachment points are in proper working order before lifting is essential.
2. Crane/Rigging Movement (pinch points)– Cranes often need to twist, adjust, and move to get the load and rigging where it needs to go. This can create pinch or crush points where someone could be seriously injured.
3. Improper Lifting Techniques/Damaged Rigging – Choosing the proper size of rigging, the proper hitch and working within the proper load angle factors will reduce the chance of overloading or causing damage to the rigging. Do not use damaged or out-of-service rigging.
4. Dropped Loads– If a crane drops its load, whatever is under it will be crushed and the object dropped could be damaged, putting a delay in the production process. No one should work directly under a crane load for any reason, even with PPE. always Keeping non-essential personnel clear of the suspended load.
5. Materials Falling– Every load a crane lifts needs to be properly secured and free of loose parts and tools. Even when a load is secure, there is always a risk of something falling off. Employees below the crane should avoid working in the area and be aware of the suspended load while it is moving.
6. Crane Overloading– Crane operators and those who load the crane need to know precisely how much weight it can handle and exactly how much weight they have added or are lifting at any given time. Overloading a crane can cause it to tip over, cause structural damage or cause a loss of load.
7. Side Pull –Hoists and cranes are designed to lift straight up and lower straight down only. Side pulls cause several dangerous conditions.

STATS

Crane accidents are often the direct result of negligence of the crane-related professional or the lack of adequate operator training or experience.

• 90% of crane accidents occur due to human error.
• 80% of all crane upsets are attributed to operators exceeding the crane’s operational capacity.
• 54% of these incidents are the result of swinging the boom or making a lift without the outriggers full extended.
• 45% of all mobile crane accidents involve electrocution that results from the crane contacting a power source during operation.
• 40% the victims were struck by an object (such as an uncontrolled hoisted load or crane part).
• 50% of U.S. crane accidents that had injuries resulted in fatalities.
• 80 lift and material handling equipment workers are killed each year, on average.