OSHA’s Guidelines For Preventing Crane Accidents

Construction sites are often considered dangerous places to work. According to a study released by the US Department of Labor, construction workers experience higher workplace fatalities. Most of these deaths are caused by crane-related accidents, which is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a guideline to prevent these types of accidents. Here is an overview of the OSHA guidelines for using cranes on construction sites.

OSHA’s Guidelines For Preventing Crane Accidents

To make the construction site safer and to reduce fatalities among workers, OSHA has released a guideline for preventing crane accidents. While construction workers are only 8 percent of the workforce in the US, they account for more than 22 percent of work-related deaths yearly.

In addition, construction workers were also 71 percent more likely to suffer from nonfatal injuries than employees from other industries, according to a study published by the US National Institute of Health (NIH). In a separate study, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) showed that falls and crane accidents are the leading causes of work-related fatalities in the construction industry.

To show the magnitude of the problem, the US Labor Department has released a survey that estimated that at least 80 people die from crane-related accidents, most of which are caused by human error. To make the construction site safer and to reduce fatalities among workers, OSHA has released a guideline for preventing crane accidents.

OSHA’s Guidelines for Using Cranes 

There are several steps to reduce the risk of crane-related accidents and fatalities outlined in OSHA’s guidelines.

• Before using a crane, an inspector should check the machine for any mechanical problem that may result in accidents.
• The crane machine must regularly undergo a more comprehensive inspection to determine if there is a crack, faulty wiring, worn-out ropes, and any damaged part that could lead to accidents.
• If there is any damaged part that must be repaired or modified, this should be done by a qualified person.
• Place the crane in stable and flat ground, which must be at least 10 feet away from electrical cables.
• Ensure the crane is not carrying a load that exceeds its capacity. Under US standards for mobile cranes, the load should not be more than 75 percent of the tipping weight.
• Install fences around the construction site to prevent outsiders from going near the crane.
• Ensure the crane’s safety devices, such as the level operator, are working properly.
• While operating a crane, a qualified “signal” person should assist the operator in maneuvering loads.
• Fall protection equipment should be for workers standing more than 6 feet above the ground.
• The loads should be set by a qualified “rigger” to make sure that these will not come loose and strike a worker.
• The foundation for the tower crane and other structural supports for this machine should be designed by its manufacturer or a professional engineer.
• Crane operators should consider the wind as the most important safety concern. In a recent study conducted by OSHA, the wind is one of the leading causes of crane accidents in the US.
• Due to stability concerns, cranes mounted on ships and offshore platforms should be used more carefully.

These are just some of the guidelines issued by OSHA to ensure crane safety and reduce fatalities in construction sites. Following these guidelines can help prevent crane-related accidents and keep construction workers safe. 

These guidelines not only keep workers safe but also help employers save money in the long run by reducing potential liabilities that come with preventable accidents. Employers who take steps to ensure the safety of their employees can also benefit from lower workers’ compensation claims, fewer legal costs, and better employee productivity.