Crane Lifting Hazards and Safety Tips

Cranes play a crucial role in a range of industries, enabling the efficient lifting and moving of heavy loads.

However, crane lifting hazards are a significant concern that requires attention to ensure the safety of crane operators and other workers.

Identifying threats ahead of time is the key to a successful lift, including preventing injuries on site. This blog explores common crane safety hazards and provides essential safety tips to mitigate risks during crane operations.

Hazards you may encounter on-site and how to avoid them:

5 Common hazards for crane operators

The first step in preventing the risk of accidents is identifying dangers on site. So, what are the possible hazards on sites across the UK?

1. Crane crashes

Collisions with buildings and other cranes can happen due to crane mishandling, causing danger and risk to life on site.

Crane mishandling usually involves poor route planning – when a crane’s position and rotation span haven’t been thought through enough, leading to crashes with heavy metal structures and machinery.

2. Falling of loads

Improperly secured loads pose severe risks to workers and equipment below.

Staff injury and damage to property and equipment can happen as a result of loads falling from the crane.

Loads usually fall from cranes that are in constant use. This is generally because of electrical component failure – when the lifting mechanism is compromised.

3. Electrical hazards

Overhead cranes often operate near power lines, creating a risk of electrical contact, which can result in electrocution or fires.

A tower crane may need to extend higher, meaning the crane’s boom or jib length increases.

This extended reach means there’s a higher risk that the crane may hit overhead powerlines, which puts the driver at extreme risk of electrocution and electrical crane hazards.

This is especially common with mobile cranes often used in tight areas where power lines are a threat.

4. Crane collapse

Collapsed cranes can be catastrophic for crane operators, personnel, and property.

Collapses happen for a variety of reasons, including poor positioning, lifting heavy loads beyond the crane’s lifting capacity, and failure to stabilise the machinery before lifting.

Falling cranes are likely to cause fatalities and result in multiple compensation claims.

5. Extreme weather

Fog, snow, lightning, and extreme heat make driving and operating cranes incredibly dangerous.

Each weather type brings about specific problems, which can result in incorrect or failed lifts.

Poor visibility during storms, fog, and snow impairs the vision of a crane operator, making it difficult to see the direction signals made by the signaller. Lightning can also pose a risk of electrocution, whilst extreme heat can cause dizziness and illness, preventing the operator from controlling the crane competently.

6. Overloading

One of the main hazards which can cause crane tipping is overloading.

When the crane’s load capacity is exceeded, it can lead to structural failures or tipping, endangering both the crane operator and nearby workers.

Overloading can also happen if your hoist load is over the crane capacity, you use defective components, you drop your load suddenly, or you drag loads.

Crane safety tips

Although these hazards may seem scary, there are a few ways you can help to prevent hazards from occurring during your project:

1. Hire competent and trained personnel

Experienced and qualified crane operators and signallers are essential for conducting lifting operations in compliance with The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, as outlined by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Everyone involved in the lift, including the appointed person and signaller, must be fully trained and competent. Only experienced personnel can effectively plan lifts that avoid hazards.

Proper planning is one of the most crucial duties for avoiding hazards. The person responsible for planning the lift must undertake several tasks to ensure a smooth operation. These tasks include:

• Thoroughly plan site preparation
• Address risks
• Produce a clear method statement that’s simple to follow
• Select the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ensure cranes and slings are tested and fit for use
• Produce risk assessments
• Select the correct crane for the job
• Ensure lifts are supervised and carried out according to the method statement

2. Awareness of Surroundings

Operating cranes, especially overhead cranes, requires a heightened awareness of the surroundings. Operators should:

• Be mindful of overhead power lines: Maintain a safe distance from power lines to avoid electrical hazards.
• Ensure a clear path: Check for obstacles or personnel in the crane’s path before lifting or moving loads.

Use spotters: Employ spotters to guide crane movements, especially in confined or crowded areas.

3. Ensure cranes are inspected and maintained

Routine inspections and maintenance are crucial for workplace safety and preventing mechanical failures. Key components to check include:

• Hooks and lifting chains for wear and tear
• Hydraulic systems for leaks
• Electrical systems for proper insulation
• Brakes and control systems for responsiveness

4. Disconnect overhead power lines

If you have to carry out lifts near an overhead power line, your appointed person should get in touch with the network operator that owns the power lines and arrange to have the power cut whilst lifting is underway.

This is the safest way to remove potential electrocution.

Crane operators should follow these best practices to ensure safe lifting operations:

• Verify load weight: Always check the weight of the load to ensure it does not exceed the crane’s capacity.
• Proper rigging: Use appropriate rigging techniques and equipment to secure loads effectively.
• Clear communication: Maintain clear communication with ground personnel to coordinate movements and avoid accidents.

5. Refrain from crane operation in extreme weather

It may seem obvious but sites must cease all crane operations during extreme weather.

Your appointed person should use their experience and make the executive decision to postpone the lifting operation for you.

Appointed persons should always make sure they plan construction lifting around dangerous weather and always check the forecast throughout the lift to avoid crane accidents.

6. Implementing Safety Technologies

Modern technology can enhance crane safety by providing additional layers of protection. Consider implementing:

• Load monitoring systems: These systems can provide real-time data on load weight and distribution, helping to prevent overloading.
• Collision avoidance systems: Advanced sensors and alarms can help operators detect and avoid obstacles.
• Remote control operations: Remote control technology can keep operators at a safe distance from hazardous areas.

Avoid the stress with BJW Cranes

Does all of this sound a bit overwhelming?

Already got a lot to consider?

Can’t find experienced staff?

Choose BJW Crane CPA contract lifting and tick a big worry off your to-do list.

By opting for our CPA contract lifting service, you will be provided with the most suitable crane and a fully trained appointed person, operator, and signaller to ensure your lift is conducted safely, confidently, and without incident.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today! You can call us on 01724 289 501 or send an email to office@bjwcranes.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.