Safe lifting practices are at the core of every successful crane operation. Overhead cranes and hoists move some of the heaviest, most critical loads on a jobsite, which means there is a lot of responsibility and no room for shortcuts. Following proper safety procedures not only keeps your people safe, but also reduces downtime, protects equipment, and ensures compliance with OSHA and ASME standards.
Here are 7 important safety tips for safe lifting:
1. Perform Regular Inspections
Before a lift begins, a crane should always be inspected. Daily visual checks can help identify issues like worn wire ropes, damaged hooks, or leaks before they become dangerous failures. More thorough, frequent and periodic inspections are required to keep your equipment in compliance with OSHA standards. Inspections aren’t just about meeting regulations; they’re about preventing costly downtime and keeping your people safe.
2. Know Your Crane’s Limits
Every crane has a rated capacity, and exceeding it can put workers, equipment, and the load at risk. Always confirm the weight of the load and check the rated capacity of the crane, slings, and rigging hardware. Using equipment beyond its limits is one of the most common causes of accidents. Staying within the designated limits ensures safer, smoother lifts and extends the life of your equipment.
3. Use the Right Rigging
Rigging is just as important as the crane itself. Always select the right sling and hardware for the task, and inspect them before use for wear, stretching, or damage. Sling protection products should be utilized to protect the sling’s life as well as the load itself. Damaged slings should never be used. Proper rigging prevents shifting and reduces the chance of accidents during a lift.
4. Communicate Clearly
Clear communication between the operator and other workers on site is critical. Standard, agreed-upon signals must be used. Before the lift begins, make sure everyone in the area is aware of the load movement. Distractions can lead to serious mistakes and injuries. Whether using hand signals or radios, communication is what helps keep people out of harm’s way.
5. Maintain a Clear Work Area
No load should ever be moved over workers, and no one should enter the lift area unless authorized. Barriers, warning signs, or designated traffic controls can help keep people away from hazardous zones. Crane operators should also move loads smoothly, avoiding sudden stops or swings, and use taglines to control rotation. A clear path reduces risks and makes operations more efficient.
6. Operate with Training and Awareness
Only qualified trained personnel should operate a crane. Operators must understand the specific crane they are using, its controls, and its unique characteristics. Beyond training, awareness is critical. Operators must stay alert to their surroundings, power lines, swing radiuses, and site conditions at all times. Proper training and awareness is key to preventing accidents.
7. Plan Every Lift
Safe lifting begins long before the crane is on. Planning includes choosing the right equipment, confirming the lift path and load weight, and making sure the crane is positioned correctly with enough counterweight and secure outriggers. A well-planned lift reduces the chance of surprises and keeps the operation on schedule.
Safe lifting requires attention to detail, proper planning, and consistent communication. Inspections, training, and preventative maintenance are just as important as the lift itself. When everyone on the team takes responsibility for safety, overhead crane operations become more efficient, compliant, and reliable.
At Engineered Systems, our certified technicians perform thorough inspections to ensure your lifting equipment is ready for the job. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or training session and keep your lifting operations safe and compliant.
