Crane Hazards

Rick Raef

Rick Raef is a heavy construction safety consultant for Willis Group Holdings, San Francisco, a global insurance broker. Raef has been with Willis since 1996, during which time he developed a crisis management program called, "Character Based Crisis Management: A Contractor's Survival Guide." He is currently the editor of WCSN-The Willis Construction Safety Network, an electronic safety bulletin distributed to contractors in the United States and Australia. You can contact Rick Raef at raef_ri@willis.com.

 

December 21, 2005 — Parents of an ironworker killed in Ohio recently often feared their son would be injured from a fall on the job. Ironically, he was killed while working on the ground • crushed between a crane and its outrigger.

 

Although the news report doesn't give many details, it is enough to say that blind spots on cranes present serious hazards. “Working in the blind” is often a necessary part of placing loads beyond the operator's line of sight. In these cases, the operator relies on signal persons to be the eyes and ears, directing the load to a safe landing. But there are other blind spots, not mentioned as frequently.

 

As may have been the case here, it is crucial during crane setup that the area is cleared of personnel before setup begins. Extension of outriggers presents a crushing hazard. Controls are usually located on one side of the crane or in the cab — where the operator does not have full view of their placement.

 

Once the crane is positioned, it is recommended that an area around the crane be taped off to prevent other workers from passing into the work zone. Remember, the operator's job is to keep his eyes on the load • not looking for people wandering inside his swing area, who may be injured by rotating counterweight.

 

There's a lot to watch out for on job sites. Being mindful of potential blind spots is one more reminder that may keep you and your crews safe.

 

To read a full report of the accident mentioned here, go to The Enquirer.