Things Crane Operators Should Consider Before Lifting

Crane Operators Most of the crane accidents that take place in the U.S. every year are completely preventable. They typically happen because a crane operator forgets to check on equipment before conducting a lift or because the operator conducts the lift too quickly without taking the proper safety precautions. Therefore, if you are still new to operating cranes, there are some things you should know before you start lifting anything. Ask yourself these questions—and answer them thoroughly—prior to your next lift.

Is all of my equipment in good working order?

Before a lift takes place, a crane operator should spend some time walking around a crane to see if there is anything amiss. The various parts of a crane need to be inspected on a regular basis to check for any signs of wear and tear. If something looks like it needs to be repaired or if you notice that a crane doesn’t seem to be working the way it should, shut your project down and have your crane inspected more carefully before you continue.

Am I completely focused on the lift I am about to make?

During a lift, you should not be distracted at all. You should be prepared to be 100 percent focused on finishing the lift, since you could be placing yourself and others in harm’s way if you are preoccupied with something else. If you sense that you might be distracted before a lift, put it off for a little while until you are able to focus again. It will ensure that you can devote all of your attention to your lift once you begin.

Are there any obvious signs of danger surrounding me?

Outside of inspecting your crane for signs of trouble, you should also inspect everything around you. From overhead wires to tall trees, there are many things that could pose a problem for cranes. If there is anything that might be in your way during a lift, come up with a plan to avoid it and then stick to that plan once you start lifting.

These are just a few of the things you need to know before you start using a crane. If you need further details on crane operation or if you need to obtain a crane rental, call Astro Crane at 978-429-8666 today, and we will be happy to lend a helping hand.