Heavy Construction Equipment Made Simple

Posted on: 17 May 2017

As a new crane operator, you are embarking on an often exciting, demanding, and well-paying new career path. While you have most likely operated other forms of equipment before, it is important to understand that operating a crane carrying construction material or other heavy objects comes with unique safety risks. By being proactive in operating your crane safely, you will help avoid accidents and mishaps and ensure a more successful start to your new career. Here are six safety tips for new crane operators:

Get More Training than Is Required

The requirements for becoming a certified crane operator vary by state and can be rather minimal, sometimes requiring barely any hands-on training before being able to legally operate a crane. Like anything involving heavy equipment and machinery operation, the more training you have, the safer you will be and the better you will be at your new job.

Receiving more training than is required may also lead to opportunities for better paying jobs. Opting for additional training certifications via a local crane training school, or starting off in an apprenticeship program via the International Union of Operating Engineers are two great ways to receive additional training on safely operating cranes.  

Ask to Be Trained and Supervised on The Specific Crane

Even if you have completed more than the minimum required training to become a certified crane operator, you should also ask to be trained and then supervised for a while on the specific crane you will be operating at your new job. Every crane works differently, handles in its own way, has its own weight limits, etc.

On a busy construction site, a supervisor may allow you to dive right in without training, perhaps assuming you have already operated this particular crane. In this situation, simply point out that you need hands-on, supervised training on this specific piece of equipment until you know it well and gain more confidence.

Get in the Habit of Inspecting Your Crane

Inspecting your crane before each day's work is an important habit to get into from the beginning. You may want to have your supervisor inspect your crane with you at first, pointing out details you may otherwise miss. In general, you should check that the loading chain and hoist are in good condition and not twisted, broken, or straining in any way. If anything doesn't look right, talk to your supervisor before beginning operations.

Avoid Overloading Your Crane

For many new crane operators, a common mistake is overloading their crane. Unfortunately, this is also a potentially dangerous mistake since components of an overloaded crane may break, possibly leading to a dropped load. Pay careful attention to the weight requirements of the particular crane you are using, and don't give in to the temptation to overload your crane in order to get through a job more quickly.  

Speak Up When Something Seems Wrong

As the newest member of your construction team, it may be tempting to just keep your thoughts to yourself until you are more established. In an industry where safety is so important, there is a need for even the newest crane operators to speak up when they see something that seems unsafe or otherwise off. You may notice an overloaded crane, someone operating a machine in an unsafe manner, or an unattended load being left in the air.

It's a good idea to err on the side of caution and alert your crane supervisor when something like this happens. You will soon be known for being responsible and observant, which are important traits on any construction site.

By following these tips, you will gain peace of mind and confidence knowing that you will offer quality crane service.