Safe operation of overhead cranes

Serious injuries and even death can occur if overhead cranes aren’t inspected and properly used.

Injuries have been reported after workers were struck by a load, or pinched between the load and another object. OSHA’s Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance offers general safety tips for overhead crane operators:

• Don’t attempt to lengthen wire rope or repair damaged wire rope.
• Don’t allow a welding electrode to be touched to the wire rope.
• Use your experience, knowledge and training to assess risks and follow procedures.
• Never operate a crane and hoist that’s damaged or has any actual or suspected mechanical or electrical problems.
• Don’t use the wire rope, any part of the crane, hoist, or the load block and hook as a ground for welding.
• Never remove or obscure warning labels on the crane or hoist.
• Don’t walk – or allow anyone else to – under a suspended load.
• Don’t perform any work on a suspended load that requires a worker to be positioned under the load.