Top 10 Crane Safety Tips

Perform Regular Crane Inspections

Regular crane inspections are essential for safe use. In Ireland, crane inspections must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007. This legislation requires thorough inspections before use, following assembly, at regular intervals during service, and after any damage or major modifications that could affect the crane’s safety.

Prepare a Risk Assessment and Lift Plan

Conducting a risk assessment and preparing a lift plan are critical steps in ensuring crane safety. These procedures help identify potential hazards and establish strategies to mitigate them. Under Irish Health and Safety legislation, a lift plan must be prepared by a competent person to ensure that all risks are managed and the lift is performed safely.

Check Weather Conditions Before and During Lifts

Though cranes are built to be durable, adverse weather conditions can pose serious risks. Extreme temperatures can affect both the crane’s function and the operator’s performance: high temperatures can cause overheating, while cold weather may make the crane’s steel brittle and unsafe. Working in the rain can reduce visibility, and windy conditions can cause loads to sway. Check out our Crane & Vacuum Lifter Safety page for more information on safely operating cranes and glass lifters in windy conditions.

Use the Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Never approach a work site involving a crane without wearing the necessary PPE, as doing so puts both you and others at risk. Below is the basic safety gear required when working with cranes, but depending on the specific job, additional equipment may be needed:

• Hi-visibility clothing
• Helmet
• Safety boots

Pay Attention to Ground Conditions

Cranes are heavy machines, and even slight changes in ground conditions can significantly affect their stability. Soft ground may cause the crane to sink, while uneven terrain can lead to tipping or the crane becoming stuck. Some cranes, like our URW-1006 Mini Spider Crane with ±20˚ gradeability, are designed for rough terrain. To prevent accidents or delays, always assess ground conditions before selecting the appropriate crane.

Use Appropriate Outrigger Mats and Cribbing

Due to the heavy weight of cranes, using proper outrigger mats and cribbing is crucial to prevent the crane from sinking into the ground or the outriggers from failing. These tools help distribute the crane’s weight evenly, providing a stable surface and preventing accidents during lifts.

Keep the Hoist Way Clear

Keep pedestrians and unnecessary personnel clear of the hoist way at all times, particularly during lifts. Use barriers, cones, and brightly coloured tape to cordon off the area, clearly indicating that access is restricted for safety reasons.

Exercise Extreme Caution Around Powerlines

Extreme care must be taken when working near live electrical cables. Powerlines present a major hazard as they cannot be moved and are often live during crane operations. Since cranes are primarily made of steel, they are highly conductive and can transmit electricity even without making direct contact with powerlines.

Be Aware of Other Surrounding Hazards

Powerlines are not the only worksite danger: Other worksite hazards to watch out for include unstable ground, nearby obstacles (whether movable or fixed) and chemicals. Even after completing your lift plan, you need to remain vigilant for potential dangers, as new risks can arise unexpectedly during the operation.

Avoid Mobile Phones and Other Distractions

Distractions, like mobile phones, can be fatal in crane operation zones. Whether operating the crane or simply on-site, staying focused is vital to prevent accidents. Avoid distractions to ensure the safety of everyone in the area and to avoid costly errors, such as damage to property or injury to workers.