OSHA will use enforcement and other tools to reduce injuries and fatalities associated with crane operation in construction, general industry, and maritime operations. The effort will focus on Idaho, Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, but employers in all states should be vigilant about crane hazards.

Over the past 5 years, federal OSHA has investigated 13 fatal accidents involving cranes in the Northwest. The most common hazards leading to serious injuries and fatalities are:

• Crane tip-overs,
• Being struck by a crane,
• Electrocutions,
• Being caught between a crane and other equipment, and
• Falls from the equipment.

In addition to increasing inspections at sites where cranes are in use, OSHA will use outreach, training, on-site consultation, and partnerships to improve compliance and prevent injuries and deaths.

How can you keep OSHA away from your location?

• Make sure only qualified and trained personnel are operating cranes.
• The crane and all controls must be inspected before use by a designated competent person.
• Watch for overhead electric power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from the lines.
• Inspect all rigging before use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load.
• Use the correct load chart for the configuration and setup, load weight, and lift path.
• Never move loads over workers.