Fatalities from crane accidents are increasing every year, and it is your responsibility to protect your workers from these avoidable tragedies. Properly inspecting the crane at your worksite before use is only half the battle, it is equally important that you and your workers are aware of crane operations and hand signals. Knowing these important protocols can help your workers safely operate and work around a crane in use.

Operations

Almost 41 percent of crane fatalities were caused when a worker was struck by a crane or a crane load. Proper crane operation can prevent these deaths. When preparing to use a crane, your workers should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding:

• The load limit of the crane
• Attaching the load to the crane
• Moving the load
• The hoist limit of the crane

Learn more about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards for crane operation here.

Hand Signaling

A crane operator is responsible for using correct hand signaling to communicate with the workers around them. OSHA does not require a specific hand signaling system, and there is more than one valid system, so be sure your crane operator and crew understand what hand signaling standards will be used at your workplace. See some OSHA-recommended hand signals here.

To learn more about how to keep your workers safe when utilizing a crane, contact your agency or local Amerisure Loss Control Consultant at 800-257-1900 or losscontrol@amerisure.com.