The Importance Of Industrial and Manufacturing Industries

The Importance Of Industrial and Manufacturing Industries

3 Major Hazards To Watch For When Operating An Overhead Crane

by Todd Edwards

Having access to a crane in your warehouse can make it easier for employees to move heavy loads from one place to another. Overhead cranes are popular options among manufacturers today because they take up less space than traditional cranes. Operating a crane in an enclosed space does present some safety risks, but these can be mitigated with some vigilance and proper planning.

Here are three major hazards that you should be watching for as you operate an overhead crane in the future.

1. Electrical Hazards

A crane's boom has the ability to extend a significant distance, which can make it difficult for an operator to see where the boom is traveling at all times. If you have electrical sources in your warehouse, then care must be given to avoiding contact between these power sources and your overhead crane.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 50% of all overhead crane accidents sustained in a given year involve contact with an electrical source. Be sure that you are keeping your crane's boom away from power sources by walking the route your crane will travel to check for potential electrical hazards before completing any hoist.

2. Overloading

Each crane is manufactured to withstand a very specific maximum weight when it comes to the loads they are hoisting. You may be tempted to add a few extra pounds to your loads, but this practice could result in your crane toppling over and causing serious injury.

OSHA estimates that, between 1992 and 2006, roughly 12% of all deaths involving a crane collapse could be attributed to overloading, making overloading a common hazard that you should be mindful of. Check your crane's suggested load capacity, and ensure that you aren't hoisting loads that exceed this capacity to avoid injuries in the future.

3. Falling Materials

Because an overhead crane operates in the air space of your warehouse, materials being moved with these types of cranes are often traveling over workers' heads. There is always the potential for an object to fall from the crane's load during transport, making the risk of injury from falling materials a hazard that overhead crane operators must be mindful of.

Be sure that you are encouraging your employees to wear hard hats at all times while in the warehouse, and encourage them to stay clear of overhead loads while they are being hoisted to help prevent injuries caused by falling materials during an overhead crane hoist.

Finding ways to make your overhead crane operations safer by addressing common hazards can be beneficial in reducing the number of injuries that occur in your warehouse each year. Talk to the crane company, like American Equipment Inc, for more help.


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About Me

The Importance Of Industrial and Manufacturing Industries

My name is Donald Tate and in my blog you'll learn the importance of industrial and manufacturing industries in our country. These facilities make numerous products that we use every day and they're also responsible for creating many jobs. I became interested in industrial and manufacturing plants at a young age because my father worked at a plant downtown. One day he took me to the plant so I could see how the products were made. I thought that was the most interesting thing there ever was and I have been fascinated ever since. Because we depend so much on these industries, I have made it my mission in life to learn all I can about various industrial and manufacturing plants. I hope that after reading my blog, you'll also realize this important and necessary contribution to our society.