Mobile cranes are efficient utilities that greatly improve efficiency in lifting jobs across a variety of work sites at different scales. Unfortunately, it is common to see that crane operators and their employers do not show sufficient competence when it comes to safely executing crane operation projects. This is majorly attributed to a lack of training and knowledge of regulations, protocols, and safety procedures, set up by safety authority bodies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
As such, avoidable accidents occur, causing damage –to both the equipment and surrounding structures, injury, and in severe cases, death. Case studies of such accidents include:
1. June 26th, 2022, Dorchester Massachusetts:
- Accident: Mobile Crane Overturns into Building
- Cause: Failure to deploy outriggers before initiating crane operation. The crane tipped over because its load, boom extension, and boom angle exceeded the manufacturer’s center of balance parameters.
- Avoidance: The crane operator, riggers, and supervisors should not have proceeded with mobile crane operations without ensuring that the equipment was properly stabilized. This includes an awareness of the manufacturer’s equipment limits (included in their manual with the equipment) and OSHA safety regulations. With proper training, this accident could have been avoided.
2. January 7th 2019, New York, New York:
- Accident: Mini-crane overturned and fell four stories.
- Cause: The crane operator was insufficiently trained, and thus unaware of its load limits.
- Avoidance: The employer (Western Waterproofing Company Inc.) should have done due diligence in verifying the crane operator’s competence. In avoiding this, they are liable to pay penalties of up to $155,204 for workplace violations.
3. October 14th 2021, Beaumont, Texas:
- Accident: Crane collapsed onto a passing vehicle, killing its two occupants.
- Cause: Employees of Hemphill WBE Pile Driving Company Inc. improperly assembled a crane, by exceeding its load limits, causing it to buckle and land on the passing vehicle.
- Avoidance: The crane operator and occupants present should have been aware of the equipment’s load limits before operation. Measures should also have been taken to minimize or divert movement in the area under the crane.
The cause of most crane accidents can be attributed to human error. However, that is not to say that competent crane operators, riggers and other site staff do not make mistakes, but the majority of accidents stem from insufficient knowledge and lack of adequate training.
The Need for Safety Training
As an employer or employee, what can you do to avoid accidents and turn any work site into a safe and efficient project? The answer is to receive and deliver training for you and your staff. The accidents mentioned, as well as several others from OSHA’s archives, can be attributed to ignorance and negligence that may end in the payment of costly penalties and fines, loss of reputation and closure of business.
Do not allow yourself or your company to become a statistic, and seek professional training from industry experts focused on delivering qualitative information. You can find this partner in Total Equipment Training.
Mobile Crane Operator Training
Total Equipment Training’s Mobile Crane Operator Training program equips crane operators with the skills they need to safely carry out their duties, while improving their work competence, hazard awareness and hazard management. These skills include:
- Pre-use crane inspection
- Signal person hand signal training
- Manufacturer manual interpretation (e.g., load chart training)
- OSHA regulations on proper crane operation and the risks incurred from not following them
- Duties and responsibilities not only to their role, but to other personnel on the work site, such as riggers.
Total Equipment Training offers programs tailored for mobile crane operators at all levels, from the beginning novice to refresher classes. The program can be modified depending on the number of personnel to be trained, accounting for any training site specifications.
Not only does TET mobile crane operator training cover OSHA and ASME safety regulations, but is delivered by experienced crane operators with years of experience under their belts. Thanks to partners at the NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators), you and/or your team can arrange for certification right after completing your training, saving on time and allowing you to get back to what you do best!
Total Equipment Training also provides expert Rigger Training and Signal Person Training programs, competently equipping your entire mobile crane crew with symbiotic skills that will enhance efficiency while maintaining high-level industry standards of safety. Reach out to TET today and build the foundation of safety and success for you and your team.
