As the no.1 for lifting solutions with almost 30 years in business, GGR Group has learnt everything there is to know about the safe operation of plant machinery and lifting products. Being in such a dangerous industry where the potential for injury is always lurking taking the proper health and safety precautions is the most important of working with any machinery.

According to UK statistics, there was an average of 59,000 non-fatal injuries to construction workers – topping all industries other than ‘Agriculture, forestry and fishing.’ Government statistics stated: ‘In the latest year Construction has a non-fatal injury rate of 2880 per 100,000 workers which compares to all the industry rate of 1650 per 100,000.’

These statistics are why over the years we have committed to only introducing safe and user-friendly products to the market, along with products with special safety features. We have also developed a selection of courses on using different products so that you can always have the right skills for any job. However, if you don’t want to take a course we also have the option of hiring one of our skilled operatives to safely carry out the job for you.

Tips for Safe Operation of Industrial Cranes

There is likely a never-ending list of tips we could give you for staying safe around industrial cranes as situations can change based on location, weather, etc. However, following the basics is the minimum you should do when working with or around cranes. This is because following the best safety practices means reduced time spent at a job as there will be no need to replace injured workers or fix mistakes caused by improper handling of the crane. Ignoring standard safety issues can mean both you and those around you could end up injured.

GGR Group’s UNIC URW-295 Mini Spider Crane training course.

Check for Obstructions

It is important to check all areas you will possibly be using for anything that could cause an issue later down the line. This can include things such as uneven terrain, cars, tree roots, immovable boulders, etc. You should also consider what is above and below you. Things such as building overhangs and powerlines can easily become an issue with a retracted crane boom. Underground obstructions consist of graveyards and basements where the ground could collapse with a heavy plant machine above it, and loose soil and gravel which can be difficult to drive on.

Ground Conditions

Regarding the previous sentence, ground conditions are also an important factor to consider as with no stable ground to work on you will be unable to do anything, and if you do then those conditions can quickly become dangerous. It is always important to take note of wet and icy conditions that could affect you and your equipment, especially in snow and mud where you can get stuck.

The ground bearing pressure is an essential part of any lift plan as if the ground you want to work on can either not handle the weight of your crane or what you are building then you can put lives at serious risk. The ground under a crane could collapse or the foundations of a building could sink or crack.

Weather Conditions

This can be directly linked to the concerns of ground conditions as the weather can make all the difference of the ground being safe to work on. Bad weather can cause landslides, low visibility if the rain is too heavy, hypothermia/hyperthermia, unsafe wind speeds, etc. We go into more detail on crane safety in bad weather in this blog here.

The Right Crane

One thing you may not consider when it comes to safety tips for industrial cranes is selecting the right machine for the job. If simply choosing a crane for its lifting ability or another feature without considering anything else you may end up with a crane that isn’t suited to your needs. Selecting a crane comes with many other factors such as if you need one suited for rough terrain, small spaces, or pick and carry ability.

At GGR Group we have a range of cranes that can help you with your project and a team of experts to help you choose. We can also design a full lift plan for you where we will find the best products needed to complete your lift. You can also browse our products or read this blog for more information.

TMC 525 Articulated Crawler Crane lifting a truss.

Use Qualified Specialists

You should always have qualified specialists working with and around your crane to be as safe as possible. By having people with the correct qualifications, you can prevent any possible mistakes or issues that can arise when a crane is being operated.

If need be it is recommended that you hire those specialists to ensure you get the best result from your lift possible. At GGR Group we offer bespoke lift plans and the option to hire both crane and vacuum lifter operators. A contract lift is always the best way to go if you don’t have access to a qualified specialist.

You can learn more about the safe operation of industrial cranes and any of your concerns by contacting one of our experts by phone or by clicking here. There are many factors to keeping safe when operating a crane so we are always happy to help with any queries or help you organise a contract lift for yourself.