No matter wherever you go in the United States, you will likely see a crane at a construction site. Cranes are tremendously powerful equipment used for heavy construction work, such as lifting heavy objects. Since cranes are so powerful, they also pose a danger to people with and around them. If you work at a construction site, you must be careful. 

You never think you will be crushed and killed by a crane until it happens. Hundreds of people are killed annually in crane accidents for various reasons. Most of these accidents are preventable if you follow a few safety measures. An Atlanta construction accident attorney can help you if you get injured. 

Safety measures to consider when operating a crane safety 

  • Select the right crane.

The first step is selecting the right crane. There are two types of cranes- mobile and fixed. Fixed cranes are generally used in industrial or complex projects. On the other hand, mobile cranes come in different types, each used for a different purpose. There are dozens of cranes to choose from, such as rough-terrain, carry deck, crawler, and all-terrain cranes. There are also massive cranes used for the construction of bridges. 

  • Hire a qualified crane operator. 

Picking the right crane won’t be useful until the operator is truly qualified and experienced at their job. Even making the tiniest mistake can cause injuries and even death. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the crane operator they hire is adequately skilled and qualified. Considering safety measures won’t matter if the operator is not careful. 

  • Maintain good communication. 

Maintaining good communication is extremely important when operating a crane around other workers. Communicating with the surrounding workers will ensure that no one comes in the way of danger. It helps to have multiple people standing at different angles to tell the operator how close they are to their destination. 

  • Read operator manuals. 

Even when qualified and experienced personnel operates the crane, it is important that they go through the manual at least once. This is because every manufacturer puts different features and unique controls into their equipment. Anyone operating cranes should understand the specific design and model in-depth. Some vital information includes: 

  • Load capacities
  • Safety mechanisms
  • Stabilizers and counterweights
  • Operator controls

  • Know hand signals. 

Construction sites in Atlanta are usually very noisy, and it is hard to make out what the other person is saying. Crane operators and other workers on-site should know hand signals and communicate with each other using them. This is not only important for safety purposes but for efficiency as well.