Operating any large construction vehicle comes with risks, but crane hazards are unique because of the large machine’s height and weight. To ensure the safety of your crane operator as well as other workers on a construction site, it’s absolutely necessary to follow all safety procedures and ensure that you have operators with excellent training. Here at AME, when you rent a crane from us, we will provide a safety manager to protect your entire crew and project. Our team receives safety training from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) to make sure everyone is up to standard on all procedures and hazards to be aware of. For example, things like preventing the machine from tipping or getting overloaded, equipment misuse, or even collisions with other objects or people on site. Our crews are also trained in prevention of falling hazards, electrocution, and other jobsite hazards. Maintaining safety standards can keep your work site safer for everybody and keep your project on track and on time. Let AME provide you with all of the information you need for your crane rental. 

One of the most common crane hazards to be aware of is the danger of tipping. Because of their awkward shape and extended height, cranes are particularly prone to tipping. Especially if they are on uneven ground. Due to the complex nature of the construction industry, it’s important to make sure that you’re selecting the correct machine for the job. At AME you can discuss your needs with knowledgeable professionals who can help you decide what machine will fit your needs. We will evaluate your site, discuss loads and capacities, and determine which machine is compatible with your project. We have a wide range of cranes for different needs, and our staff can help you weigh your options and select the correct crane for your job. 

Another of the crane hazards to mitigate is the risk of misusing the equipment. With such large machines, an accident can be catastrophic. Our operators receive training from NCCCO to ensure that they are up to date with all safety procedures. Furthermore, it’s important to make sure that all operators have been trained and evaluated on all equipment that they operate.  Regular maintenance can prevent most malfunctions, and at AME, we regularly service and perform safety checks on all of our machines. 

Along with misuse, driver distraction is another of the crane hazards to contend with on any construction site. When operating heavy machinery, drivers need to be alert and aware at all times. But safety isn’t just down to the driver. Everybody on a construction site needs to be aware of the proper safety procedures to follow when heavy machines are in use. Effective communication through hand signals, radio, or other means can help prevent accidents and injuries. Our drivers are highly qualified and trained in understanding the importance of maintaining focus while on the job.

Falling hazards from overhead can cause damage to your site or even be deadly for those below. Overloading a crane can be extremely dangerous not only for the risk of tipping, but the risk of overhead drops. Dropping any part of the crane’s load or even pieces of metal or tools from several stories in the air can easily cause injury or death. When lifting, it’s necessary to make sure that each load is carefully balanced and rigged. Signalers on the ground also need to ensure that no one is allowed access to the lift area. At AME, we make sure that our equipment operators are well trained in safety precautions with load weight and balancing, as well as communicating safety procedures to the rest of the construction crew. 

Because cranes are able to reach great heights, they are in danger of coming into contact with overhead power lines. As a result, electrocution is one of the crane hazards that any operator needs to be aware of. High voltage power lines and wires can present obstacles for both the boom and hoist line. And Drivers can face shocks, burns, or even death, if they are in the vehicle when it makes contact with a live wire. It’s important that operators have a clear understanding of the range of motion for their vehicles, as well as a schematic of any live wires to be aware of. Spotters, signal flags, specially marked areas, and other communication tactics can help reduce the chance of accidents like electrocution.

Finally, one of the crane hazards that can easily be overlooked is the driver’s safety when it comes to things like overheating and exhaustion. Operating heavy equipment is taxing physically and mentally. Construction sites can be extremely hot, especially inside the cab of a vehicle. Each year, there are cases of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration on work sites that are fully preventable. It’s important to ensure that everybody on a site has adequate water, shade, and breaks. When considering renting machinery, it matters who you work with. Choosing a company with a stellar safety record means that you can rest assured, knowing that your project won’t face injuries or slowdowns due to accidents.

Any large machinery on a construction site can present a danger, but crane hazards can be uniquely risky because of their height and load-bearing capabilities. Therefore, it’s best to rent your equipment from a company you can trust, and one that has experience with different kinds of construction projects. At AME, you can trust in our reputation of over 60 years. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the machine that is right for your job, and help you every step of the way to make sure that you get the results you want. Our operators are trained extensively to avoid crane hazards like tipping, overhead drops, overloading the machine, and collisions. They also take into account operator safety when it comes to avoiding mistakes from distracted drivers, electrocution from live wires overhead, or even driver exhaustion and heat exposure. When it comes to industrial contracting, don’t leave anything to chance. Instead, place your trust in AME, where our reputation for excellence in safety speaks for itself.