Although the use of cranes provides great convenience in terms of transportation and lifting of heavy loads, improper use can cause serious accidents. Cranes, which are widely used in many sectors such as construction, logistics, shipyards and industry, increase productivity by accelerating business processes when used correctly.
However, mistakes made in these sectors can lead to serious injuries and financial losses. Crane safety is of paramount importance to protect the health of both operators and others in the workplace. Operator errors, inadequate maintenance, overloading and lack of safety measures are among the main causes of crane accidents. However, it is possible to prevent such accidents with appropriate safety measures.
For example, creating safety barriers in the area of crane use, ensuring operators use protective equipment and making sure loads are tied down correctly can significantly reduce risks.
In addition, periodic maintenance of cranes and regular inspections of the work site play a critical role in preventing accidents. In this article, we will discuss the key points to be considered to ensure crane safety and prevent accidents, and the 10 most effective tips for safe crane use.
How to Prevent Crane Accidents?
Crane accidents often occur due to operator errors, inadequate maintenance, overloading and lack of safety measures in the work area. Such accidents can lead to both material damages and serious injuries.
However, it is possible to minimize these risks by following certain safety rules and taking the right precautions. In order to prevent accidents, it is of great importance to raise awareness of crane users, increase safety training and implement regular maintenance programs.
Possible errors during crane operation endanger not only the operators but also other people working on the job site. Therefore, both technical and organizational measures should be taken for safe crane use.
10 Tips for Safe Crane Operation
Ensuring safety during crane operation is critical for both operators and others in the work area. Improper use can lead to serious accidents as well as material losses.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance to follow certain rules and take precautions for safe crane use. Below are the 10 most important tips to avoid accidents.
1. Choose the Right Crane
Determine the crane model suitable for the intended use. Do not exceed the capacity and lifting power. Check whether the ground is suitable for crane use. Choosing the right crane is one of the most basic steps to increase safety.
Improper crane use can lead to unbalanced loading and system failures, resulting in accidents. For example, cranes that tip over due to overloading can cause serious harm to both the operator and surrounding workers. In addition, brake failures in cranes that are not regularly maintained can lead to loss of control and cause serious work accidents.
Furthermore, selecting the most suitable crane for the working environment and handling requirements ensures that the workflow is efficient and safe. Choosing the wrong crane can negatively affect not only work safety but also the operation process. Therefore, getting support from expert consultants in crane selection will be of great benefit in the long run.
2. Make Sure Operators Are Trained
Ensure that crane operators have the necessary certificates. Ensure that operators undergo periodic training. Provide information on new technologies and safety standards. Trained operators increase safety on the job site by reducing the likelihood of crane handling errors.
It is also essential for operators to practice emergency scenarios so that they can make the right decisions under stress. On-site drills should be organized so that they can recognize potential risk factors in the work area and react quickly to sudden situations.
3. Keep Periodic Maintenance and Inspections
Have the cranes checked regularly by an authorized technical team for crane safety. Frequently inspect critical parts such as ropes, hooks, brake systems. Keep track of past checks by keeping maintenance records. Regular maintenance minimizes accidents by preventing mechanical failures. Especially in intensively used cranes, wear and tear can occur faster, so maintenance periods should be strictly followed.
Crane performance should be continuously monitored using early detection systems and sensors to prevent sudden failures. It should also be kept in mind that cranes with delayed maintenance can pose great risks not only from a mechanical point of view but also in terms of occupational safety.
4. Make the Workplace Safe
Surround the area where the crane will be operated with barriers and warning signs. Prevent the presence of unauthorized persons in the work area. Check surrounding structures and other equipment during crane operation. A safe working area reduces the risk of collisions and overturning. It is also of great importance for safety that the ground in the work area is firm and level. Uneven or slippery ground can destabilize cranes and cause accidents. Crane operators and field teams should carry out regular checks to identify potential hazards in the work area in advance.
5. Avoid Overloading
Take care not to exceed the maximum load capacity that the crane can lift. Make sure that the load is correctly balanced. Avoid sudden movements and unbalanced lifting.
Overloading may damage the mechanical structure of the crane and cause accidents. During the loading process, weight distribution should be ensured in accordance with the carrying capacity of the crane and make sure that the load is securely fastened. It should also be kept in mind that overloading can cause long-term damage to the crane’s ropes and engine system.
Therefore, regular load tests should be carried out to ensure that the crane is operated within the maximum performance range.
6. Use the Right Communication Methods
Ensure uninterrupted communication between operator and field crew for crane safety. Determine hand signals and radio communication rules. Ensure coordination so that the team can react quickly in case of emergency. A good communication network is an important factor in preventing accidents on the job site.
Especially on large-scale construction sites, certain communication protocols need to be in place to ensure cohesion between different teams. Since incorrect or incomplete communication can increase the risk of accidents, it is essential that field workers are trained in the use of radios and emergency signals.
7. Consider Weather Conditions
Constantly check wind speed and direction. Avoid using cranes on rainy and slippery surfaces. Stop crane operations in severe weather conditions. Failure to take weather conditions into account increases the risk of cranes tipping over or losing control.
Crane operators, especially those working in open areas, need to be prepared for momentary weather changes and be able to safely stop the operation when necessary. Regularly measuring whether wind gusts exceed safe limits during operation plays a critical role in preventing accidents.
8. Perform Checks Before Using a Crane
Check that the hydraulic system, brakes, ropes and hooks are in working order. Test that electrical connections are secure. Verify that all safety mechanisms are working in the crane cabin.
Performing detailed checks before each operation helps to identify potential failures in advance. In addition, completing checklists completely and comparing them with past maintenance records is critical to identify potential hazards in advance. It is of great benefit to crane operators to review their equipment before each shift and report any potential malfunctions to the authorities.
9. Create an Emergency Plan
Determine how teams will react to possible accidents in terms of crane safety. Test emergency scenarios with regular drills. Ensure that first aid equipment is accessible in the crane working area. A good emergency plan minimizes the loss of life and property in case of an accident.
It should also be ensured that emergency evacuation routes are identified and kept open at all times. Periodic trainings should be organized to ensure that operators and field workers are familiar with established emergency procedures. Communication channels should be clearly identified to ensure rapid response in the event of an emergency.
10. Conduct Continuous Audit and Improvement
Have regular inspections by occupational safety teams. The frequency of inspections should be determined by the size of the worksite and the intensity of crane use. Daily, weekly and monthly checks, as well as annual detailed technical inspections, play an important role in improving safety. In addition, recording inspection reports and comparing them with historical data helps to identify potential risks early. Improve safety procedures by getting feedback from employees. Conduct continuous on-site observation and generate reports to prevent accidents.
A continuous improvement approach helps to update crane safety standards. It is also important that field teams attend regular safety training sessions and provide feedback on the applicability of new procedures. Updating safety measures over time makes it easier to adapt to technological developments and new occupational safety standards.
By following these tips, you can prevent crane accidents and create a safe working environment.
Arnikon Crane is one of the leading brands in crane safety with its long years of experience in the sector and the safety standards it has developed. It designs advanced crane systems to increase occupational safety with special solutions for construction, heavy industry, shipyards and energy sectors. In addition, it produces reliable and durable equipment that adapts to different working conditions with customized crane models suitable for each sector.
By offering durable and high-tech crane solutions, it helps minimize work accidents. The periodic maintenance services and safety trainings offered by Arnikon Crane support businesses to create a safer working environment. In addition, Arnikon Crane’s modern engineering solutions maximize safety with crane systems developed specifically for each project. Thanks to professional support and advanced safety mechanisms, businesses can minimize accidents and create a productive working environment with Arnikon Crane.
