Crane Safety in Construction

FALL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE

Crane Accident Statistics

The most recent data on crane

accidents is from the Bureau of

Labor Statistics dates back to 2015

https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cranes_fact_sheet.htm

Top 5 States in terms of fatal Crane Accidents

•Texas – 40 fatalities

• Illinois – 12 fatalities

•Florida – 11 fatalities

•California – 10 fatalities

•Pennsylvania – 10 fatalities

Crane Accident Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cranes_fact_sheet.htm

Fatalities caused by cranes

•2011 -2015 (5 yr)

112 Fatalities

•1997-2006 (10 yr)

818 Fatalities

Crane Accident Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/cranes_fact_sheet.htm

• Just over half of all fatal crane injuries involved the worker being struck by an objects

•The number 1 cause of crane tip over is Not Following Manufacturer Instruction!

Crane Accident Statistics

• Fatalities dropped by over 40%

•What changed????

•Regulation

•OSHA 1926 Subpart CC – 2009

•Awareness

•Companies increased training

Crane Accident Statistics

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC• Published in 2009 – In full effect November 2018

• Set stringent standards• Riggers

• Signal Persons

• Site Supervisors

• A/D Directors

• Lift Directors

• Crane Operators

•November 2010 Riggers and Signal Persons needed to be trained and Qualified to rig and signal cranes

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

Note: it does not matter if your rigging to a crane or forklift

• Site Supervisors• Ensure inspections, testing, maintenance

has been maintained

• Ensure crane operations have been coordinated with jobsite activities

• Ensure the area for the crane is properly prepared

• Ensure conditions that could adversely affect crane operation have been addressed

• Permitting special lifting operations only when appropriate

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

ASME B30.5-3.1.3.2

• Assembly and Disassembly Director• Must have full working knowledge of the

crane manufactures warnings and cautions for assembly and disassembly of a specific type of crane

• Understand the instructions and sequence of the crane’s assembly/disassembly

• Must understand requirements for A/D work. (fall arrest, barricading, traffic control, powerlines, PPE, rigging, blocking/cribbing, and tools used)

• Competency in OSHA requirements

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

Who is responsible to determine the weight of the load?

• Lift Director• Be present

• Stop crane operation if unsafe

• Ensure lift area is prepared

• Barricade to keep others out

• Assure everyone knows their role

• Address safety concerns

• Appoint Signal Person

• Operator has correct weight

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

ASME 5-3.1.3.2.2

Lift Director (continued)

• Load does not exceed capacity

• Riggers are Qualified

• Load is properly rigged

• Ensure precautions taken for special lifts (multi crane, pick &carry, lifting personnel)

• Should hold a pre-lift meeting

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

• Crane Operator• Trained and Certified – ANSI

Accredited

• Know and understand safety requirements

• Qualified to operate by type and capacity

• Evaluated

• Operate the crane safely and stop when in question

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

Evaluated

• Permitting certification based on equipment “type” or “type and capacity”

• Evaluation “Must be conducted by someone who has the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to assess equipment operators.”

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

• There are three key elements regarding the evaluations.

• task

• required skill

• configuration of the crane

OSHA 1926 Subpart CC

• Mobile cranes require an annual inspection from a Qualified Person

• The Inspector should have training and be certified

Crane Inspection requirementsand a few recommendations

• Tower cranes are required to have an annual inspection and pre assembly inspection

• As the crane arrives a Qualified Person is required to inspect all parts prior to assembly

• Self erectors are tower cranes

• Daily Inspections are required to be conducted by the operator. This can be done throughout the day

Crane Inspection

Crane Inspection - Use a trained and certified Crane Inspector for preassembly and annual inspections.

• Certification should be no more than 5 years old and from an ANSI accredited organization

• When renting a crane conduct pre and post assembly inspections to determine wear. Avoid back charges from the rental company

Recommendations

• Obtain a copy of the annual Inspection

• Obtain a copy of the Operator’s certification and evaluation

• Obtain a copy of the Qualified Rigger and Signal Person card

• Obtain training records for Site Supervisor, A/D Director, and Lift Director

Recommendations

Preventing Accidents and Injuries• Only Authorized Personnel can

be in the Fall Zone

• Barricade the swing radius of the counter weight

• Listen for whistles or horns when loads are moved

• Ensure all personnel are properly trained

• Look up!

• Only certified and evaluated operators can run cranes

• Riggers and Signal Persons must be Qualified

• Ensure your Site Supervisor is trained and understands responsibilities

• Identify who the A/D Director is and training

• Identify who the Lift Director is and training

• Understand the responsibilities of the Controlling Contractor

CLOSING

MSC Safety Solutions4020 Kodiak Court

Frederick, CO 80504

Phone: 303-477-1044

www.mscss.us

Colorado Crane Operator School

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