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813 Construction Worksite Safety
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Cranes and Rigging

Introduction

Moving large, heavy loads is crucial to today's manufacturing and construction industries. Much technology has been developed for these operations, including careful training and extensive workplace precautions.

Significant injuries may occur if cranes are not inspected before use and if they are not used properly.

There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for the operators of the diverse "lifting" devices, and for workers in proximity to them.

Hazards

The likelihood of significant and serious injuries increases if cranes are not properly inspected before use and if crane operators are not evaluated while operating cranes.

Often crane injuries occur when workers are struck by overhead loads or caught within the crane's swing radius. Most of these struck-by cases involve workers being struck by a falling object from or put in motion by a crane.

Transportation incidents, contact with overhead power lines, and falls to a lower level make up the remaining fatal injuries involving cranes.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-1. What are the most common causes of crane-related fatal injuries?