Aerial lifts are important to assess high job sites and hard-to-reach spots. However, these lifts come with top hazards, exposing construction workers to injury. In fact, aerial lift-related accidents contribute to 3% of all fatal injuries caused in the construction industry. There’s not much room for error in aerial lifts, so a proactive approach toward safety is necessary.
Here are some mistakes to avoid during an aerial lift:
Mistake #1: Hiring the wrong crane operator
There’s a heightened risk involved in aerial lifts; therefore, you need professionals to carry out the job. Only crane operators who are certified and trained must be allowed to perform the lift. You must check their credentials and ensure they follow the safety guidelines and protocols to prevent the risk of catastrophic accidents onsite.
Mistake #2: Not reviewing the site prior to aerial lift
The importance of a safe work zone cannot be overstated. You must inspect the surrounding for any debris, slopes, or obstructions that can impact the lifting operations. Structural failures can cause the crane to tip over, endangering the life of the crane driver and workers present at the site. Therefore, the site must be reviewed prior to the aerial lift.
Mistake #3: Exceeding weight limits
The crane weight limits are set forth by the manufacturer for a reason: to prevent accidents due to overload. Not adhering to weight limits and putting extra load can jeopardize the aerial lift and result in an accident. You must take the combined weight of the material, tool, and operator into consideration and leave some extra room to ensure maximum safety.
Mistake #4: Working near the power lines
Electrocution is one of the top reasons for crane-related fatal injuries. Working near the power lines and wires without staying attentive can lead to accidents. You must position aerial lifts as far from the power lines as possible. If it’s not possible to avoid power lines, extra precautions must be taken to ensure workers’ safety.
Mistake #5: Not accounting for weather conditions
Weather conditions can adversely affect aerial lift activities. High winds can cause the crane or lifted material to tip over. Therefore, managers and supervisors must use the crane wind speed indicator during the planning and execution of the lift to determine whether the conditions are safe for an aerial lift.
Buy High-Quality Crane Safety Equipment
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is a leading company that provides high-quality RaycoWylie crane safety systems in the United States. We have a variety of crane safety instrumentation, including anti-two block system, load indicators, wind speed indicators, and more. Call 1-877-672-2951 to learn more about our products.
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