Crane and Hoist safety is of extreme importance due to the very high injury and damage potential from accidents. Crane work is often performed in congested areas where the general public can become involved in an accident. If proper precautions are taken, however, and proper techniques for operation and maintenance are followed, the risks need not turn into tragic accidents.

All equipment must only be operated by certified and authorized personnel in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all local, state, and federal laws. All the manufacturer’s warning notices must be taken seriously, and all machine safeguards must remain in place and functional.

 The load limits specified on capacity plates must never be exceeded. Overloading causes serious accidents, such as overturning, collapsing of the boom, and failing of the rigging.

Only properly rated and approved sling material may be used, and all cables and fasteners must be checked every day of use. Proper rigging includes the correct counterweight, mounted boom, gantry, and lines. Thorough machine inspections must be done at least weekly.

 The utmost care must be taken when operating a crane in the vicinity of overhead power lines regardless of the known voltage. If a crane must be operated near power lines, the power company must be consulted and its safety recommendations must be followed.

Operating a crane on soft or unstable ground is dangerous. The ground must be level and solid. Outriggers provide reliable stability only when used on solid ground.

• Barricade the crane’s swing radius
• Avoid sudden starts, stops, and reverses
• Never lift loads over workers
• Never stand under a suspended load
• Never leave a suspended load unattended
• Raise the load only as high as necessary
• Use taglines and spotters as needed