Safety

Struck-by incidents from crane swing are among the deadliest construction hazards. Learn OSHA requirements for swing radius protection, safety zone establishment, barricade placement, and worker exclusion protocols.

Crane assembly and disassembly are among the most dangerous phases of crane operations. Learn A/D director qualifications, OSHA planning requirements, crew communication protocols, and documentation best practices.

Crane hooks are single-point-of-failure components. Learn ASME B30.10 inspection criteria, throat opening deformation limits, twist measurement, NDT testing methods, and hook replacement standards.

Tandem lifts multiply crane risks exponentially. Learn engineering requirements, load distribution calculations, communication protocols, OSHA multi-crane coordination rules, and critical lift planning for tandem operations.

Cold weather creates hidden crane hazards — brittle steel fractures, hydraulic sluggishness, ice loading, and reduced operator dexterity. Learn temperature limits, warm-up procedures, and winter inspection protocols.

Hydraulic system failures cause catastrophic crane incidents. Learn how to inspect cylinders, hoses, pumps, filters, and fluid — plus oil analysis techniques that predict failures before they happen.

Wind is the most unpredictable crane hazard. Learn manufacturer wind speed limits by crane type, anemometer requirements, gust factor calculations, and OSHA weather shutdown procedures.

Electrocution from power line contact is the second leading cause of crane fatalities. Learn OSHA minimum approach distances, voltage identification, spotter requirements, and the Table A clearance rules.

Every crane lift requiring signals needs a qualified signal person. Learn OSHA certification requirements, standard hand signals, communication protocols, and qualification testing procedures.

Ground failure is the leading cause of crane tip-overs on construction sites. Learn OSHA ground condition requirements, soil bearing capacity assessment, outrigger pad sizing, and site preparation best practices.

Demolition crane operations face unique hazards — falling debris, unstable structures, dust exposure, and dynamic load changes. Here are the special inspection requirements OSHA mandates for demolition sites.

Lattice boom cranes require specialized inspection procedures that differ significantly from hydraulic telescopic cranes. Complete inspection guide covering boom sections, pins, lacings, pendants, and structural connections.

Outrigger failure and improper setup cause more crane tip-overs than any other single factor. Complete guide to outrigger inspection criteria, proper deployment procedures, and ground bearing pressure calculations.

When do you need a third-party crane inspector vs. in-house? Understand the regulatory triggers, insurance requirements, and business situations that mandate independent crane inspections.

Every crane lift needs a plan — but critical lifts require formal documentation that most contractors get wrong. Complete guide to lift plan requirements, critical lift thresholds, and what OSHA expects in your documentation.

OSHA's multi-employer worksite rules create complex inspection obligations for rented cranes. Both the rental company and the contractor can be cited.

When a crane incident happens, what you document in the first 24 hours determines whether you face a standard citation or a willful violation. Covers OSHA reporting timelines, scene documentation, and how your inspection history becomes your defense.

Complete OSHA rigging inspection requirements under 29 CFR 1926.251. Covers wire rope sling criteria, synthetic web sling checks, chain sling inspection, shackle load ratings, and removal-from-service standards.

Comprehensive guide to crane wire rope inspection based on ASME B30.5 standards. Learn broken wire replacement thresholds, diameter reduction limits, corrosion assessment criteria, heat damage identification, and proper end connection inspection techniques.