There is no doubting the value that cranes bring to the table when you're constructing a building, commercial establishment or even a residential house. The ability to pick up and lower large loads of concrete and other construction materials from one place in quick time has made construction more efficient. But with greater efficiency also comes a few risks because of the way cranes operate. Here are some ways to ensure the safety of everyone onsite when you hire a large crane for your construction needs.
1. Identify Potential Onsite Dangers
Before you get a crane onsite, it's important to identify potential dangers by inspecting site plans and organising a walk-through. This is because different hazards may emerge during construction. For example, certain parts of the construction site may become too narrow for a large crane to go through because the build has begun.
If the crane operator does attempt to move through these narrow areas without any warning, it could result in damage to the building or may even result in injuries and deaths of workers onsite. Similarly, if the crane encounters a power source while in operation, then someone could get electrocuted. Identify potential onsite dangers before any crane operation to keep operators and workers as safe as possible.
2. Check Training Of Operators
Inexperienced and untrained crane operators can make rookie mistakes that will put lives at risk on the construction site. As a project manager or builder, it is your responsibility to ensure that the operator is well-versed in large crane handling to keep everyone safe. The operator should have the right training needed to operate large cranes and should have enough experience with heavy machinery to maintain safe performance standards at all times. Whether the crane hire company provides an operator or you choose one on your own, make sure you check the person's credentials as you are responsible for keeping all your workers safe onsite.
3. Ensure The Crane Is Well-Maintained
Crane maintenance also plays a role in keeping workers safe onsite because old or faulty cranes could result in unforeseen accidents. For example, loose crane components could fall on workers from tall heights. Similarly, crane collapses or faulty load weights could also cause injuries or even death at the construction site. For these reasons, it's important to choose a well-reputed crane hire company who focus on regular maintenance, so everyone involved is kept as safe as possible.
Large cranes on a construction site should never be taken lightly – make sure you keep everyone safe with these checks. For more information on finding a large crane hire, contact your local construction equipment company.