If you work with cranes in Michigan, you are aware that there are some hazards unique to these machines. To keep everyone on your construction site safe, it is important to understand the correct procedures so you can prevent accidents.
One of the ways you can keep accidents from occurring is to ensure that your cranes are always in proper operating condition. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that you should monitor the wire ropes so you can replace them when needed. These ropes typically need to be replaced if there are signs of heat damage or kinking, or if some of the wires are broken in one of the lays. Additionally, cranes should be inspected before you use them so you know whether or not they are safe to operate, and any problems should be fixed before you begin working.
It is also important to follow all of the safety procedures. You should generally not perform lifts until you know that no one is in the way, and the crane operator should have access to the instructions for load capacity and operating speed. The operator should also ensure that the crane does not lift loads which are too heavy. Additionally, you should assign someone to keep workers away from moving parts if these parts are easily accessible.
If you will need to lift workers to their workplaces, it is important to take extra precautions. You may want to perform a trial run with a similar weight to ensure that everything will go smoothly. Additionally, it is a good idea to meet with the workers involved in this procedure to ensure that everyone is qualified for this kind of operation.
This information is general in nature and should not be used in place of legal advice.
