Crane Safety
As a non-operator, what can you do to stay safe and minimize risk when in a facility with overhead cranes?
Accidents related to cranes have the potential to be devastating. Last year, we shared key subjects to include in any crane safety plan.
This year, we’re focusing on how all employees can be safe when they’re in a facility with cranes.
Whether your job takes you to the production floor rarely or often, every employee who is near an operating overhead crane, even just once in a while, should remember the following:
- Stay alert and pay attention to the warning signal from the equipment. Do you know what a crane’s warning signal sounds like?
- Never stand or walk under a load, whether it’s moving or stationary.
- If a crane is in motion or carrying a load, know where it’s going before you go where you’re going.
- Always warn others of moving and approaching overhead loads.
- Never distract signal persons or operators of the overhead equipment while they are performing their job.
- Always obey warning signs, especially those that are posted in critical areas.
- All employees in an area where overhead cranes are in operation must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
If overhead or gantry cranes are used in your facility, it’s a good idea to attend a general crane safety training class to fully understand the hazards associated with cranes. And, more importantly, to understand ways to identify and avoid those hazards while in proximity to a crane. Reach out to your division’s Safety contact for more information about crane safety and training classes that might benefit you.
Safety First. Always. And, it starts with me.
