A Construction Pro’s Guide to Crane Safety

Some of the worst types of accidents that can occur on construction sites involve cranes. Tip-overs, falling on adjacent structures, dropping materials, crushing people — crane accidents can cause catastrophic, and deadly, losses on construction sites. 

The Sarens SGC - 250, for example, is considered the largest land-based crane in the world. The ring-based, heavy-lifting crane weighs about 5,511 tons and has a maximum load capacity of about 275,577 tons. 

The increased risk that occurs when equipment of this size is on site requires construction site and safety leaders to be vigilant about worker safety. Safety protocols and information about successfully navigating jobsite when cranes are operating should be consistently communicated to the entire project team.

This article will explore all aspects of crane safety — from types of cranes typically used on construction sites, to precautions to take when operating this heavy equipment on projects. 

Common Types of Construction Cranes

Different types of cranes have unique operational requirements and safety considerations. For example, static cranes are generally used for long-term construction projects and typically remain on site. They’re either attached to the roof of the structure being built, or anchored to the ground. Static cranes can lift heavier loads and move materials along a preset path. 

Mobile cranes are able to move on, off and throughout the jobsite. These types of cranes tend to have lower lifting capacities, but their mobility makes it easier to get materials moved to different locations on the project. 

The following is a list of cranes that are commonly used in construction, their uses and the considerations operators and site workers need to take into account when they’re being operated.

Training Requirements for Crane Operators

In the U.S., the National Commission of Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is the governing body that certifies crane operators. 

Beyond certification, crane operators should  also take continuing education classes at least yearly to stay on top of changes or updates regarding crane operations and new technologies that provide more efficiency when working on jobsites. 

Preparing to Safely Operate a Crane

Aside from general site specific safety plans and conducting thorough job safety analyses, site and safety leaders should have a plan in place to keep their teams informed on the entire process from bringing a crane onto the jobsite, the details of its operations on the project, to when the crane is removed. 

Conduct regular inspections.

Third-party inspectors should be scheduled to inspect each crane that’s planned to be on site. Annual crane inspections should be conducted to make sure the crane is in compliance with OSHA standards and in good operational standing. 

This includes checking the integrity of the crane’s joints, bolts and pins and identifying signs of fatigue on both the rigging and cabling, as well as the structure itself. Inspectors may also conduct diagnostic tests on all electrical systems to make sure they’re functioning properly.

In addition to annual inspections, either the crane’s owner or a third-party inspector should conduct regular inspections on a monthly basis. These informal checks should be done to follow up on any problems that were identified in the annual inspection, as well as closely monitor how the crane is functioning. 

Additionally, onsite crane operators should conduct daily operational inspections. The operator is the person most familiar with the crane and its operation, and generally the most knowledgeable about every aspect of how it functions. Daily inspections also allow the operator to catch any last minute issues before they cause a catastrophic problem. 

Create a crane pick plan.

A crane pick plan depicts all the details of a crane’s activity while on the project. Plans should outline what is being picked up, who is rigging and tying the materials, what types of knots and fasteners are being used and certifications for each member of the team. 

The height of the building and the proximity of the crane to the structure must also be taken into account and noted in the plan. 

One major component of a crane pick plan is measuring the soil stability on the construction site. In order to safely operate a crane, the soil must meet a certain compaction rate to ensure stability. In certain regions, underground water tables may also need to be assessed to make sure the crane will not tip over or sink.

If the ground the crane will be placed on is not firm or stable enough, using an outrigger pad is necessary to reinforce stability and prevent the ground from shifting when the crane is operating. 

Identify any impact on the community.

Another aspect of planning is to determine whether the crane’s arm has to swing above any roads or other public areas near the jobsite. In these cases, site leaders should proactively plan for traffic diversions and close any sidewalks or other public areas that are in proximity of the crane’s operation.

Part of the planning process involves gaming out worst case scenarios. In the event something catastrophic does happen and a crane falls or drops its load, leaders should have procedures communicated for operators to minimize damage to areas in and outside of the site, and avoid injuries for the general public and onsite workers. 

Prepare for using multiple cranes onsite.

Some large-scale projects may require the use of multiple cranes at one time. Tandem lifts, for example, require two cranes for materials that exceed lifting capacity for one crane to do the work. In these cases high-risk scenarios, site leaders and crane operators have to plan carefully to avoid disaster. 

Safety Precautions During Operations

Beyond operational safety, specific procedures should be shared and stored in an accessible place for all onsite stakeholders. This information should be updated constantly to reflect any procedural changes that impact safety while cranes are onsite. 

Share rigging procedures.

The rigging process involves technical proficiency as well as teamwork, communication and adherence to safety protocols. Understanding and sharing the load radius and operational limits prevents overloading the crane, which could cause tip-overs, and minimizes the risk of accidents or equipment damage.

Keep lines of communication open and clear.

Whether it’s hand signals or radio communication, a clear plan for communication when cranes are being operated needs to established so crane operators and riggers are in sync when assessing and preparing loads. Crane operators rely on the riggers' expertise to confirm that the load is properly rigged and ready for lifting. Each party needs to have a clear line of sight to one another while the crane is operating. 

Comply with crane load limits.

Most cranes are equipped with electronic load capacity systems that prevent them from operating beyond their rated limits. These added safety features help prevent failures due to overloading. 

Additionally, automated lockouts and alarms restrict crane movement when load capacities or operational limits are exceeded. This provides operators with better controls and monitoring capabilities while moving loads and significantly reducing risks during operations. 

Have an emergency plan.

Having an established culture that prioritizes safety sets the precedence for project teams to keep an eye out for unsafe practices. In the event that disaster strikes while a crane is in operation, everyone on site should be trained and aware of what steps to take. 

Emergency plans should be included in the overall site-specific safety plan with key people to contact, including first responders and site leaders. 

The plan should be easy to access and stored digitally so site workers can respond quickly in emergency situations. 

Go beyond OSHA regulations.

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Communication and Preparation for Cranes is Key

When planning for cranes to be brought onto a project, proactive preparation can avoid costly damages and save lives. By creating safety and emergency plans that are easy to follow and are visible to all parties on the jobsite, everyone understands their role and can help reinforce safety expectations when cranes are in operation. 

Keeping all crane activities and inspection documentation updated with notes and images on a software management platform boosts operators’ and site leaders’ ability to stay on top of any needed equipment maintenance and in compliance with federal and local crane operation regulations. Proper site preparation and familiarity with scheduled jobsite activities allows teams to come together to ensure everyone’s safety when operating such massive equipment. 

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