Steps To Avoid Safety Problems During Construction Worker Shortages
Construction sites and industries that utilize heavy equipment can be dangerous places to work if safety isn’t at the forefront of everyone’s mind. While engineering and technology advancements have made these work zones safer, crane accidents are still among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities.
Avoiding safety problems during a construction workforce shortage requires strategic planning and implementing safety practices. Here are some key strategies to consider:
- Training
- Planning
- Maintenance
- Worker First
- Communication
1. Invest In Proper Qualifications
Maintain and build your workforce across all levels by providing and promoting ongoing training and learning opportunities. Well-trained and experienced workers who know all they can about operating machines or doing a job will always be more productive and safer.
Part of the training for workers and management should focus on adopting new technology and tools as they become available. Technology, software, and machinery developments can help you build better, faster, and safer.
2. Plan Your Jobs
Before operating a crane onsite, you need to look at the area where it will be working. OSHA standards for crane operation lay out numerous hazards to look out for and what precautions to take. Site issues can be part of the site’s terrain or manufactured hazards. Your site supervisor should ensure the area for the crane is prepared correctly for delivery, assembly, and operation.
Management should perform a daily risk and site hazard analysis to ensure cranes operate within OSHA regulations. Every crane has a limit on the amount of weight it can lift; it is crucial these limits are taken into account before usage commences. Familiarize yourself with the crane you are using and be aware of the lift limit for that crane.
When planning either before the job or for the day, be sure to take the weather into account. Construction is a year-round affair, meaning crews and machines are often required to work through less-than-ideal conditions. Severe storms, winds, or rain can often pop up with little notice throughout the year, exponentially increasing the risk of damage or injury on work sites.
3. Inspect Regularly And Maintain Equipment
Make sure your crane is still in good operating condition with daily machinery inspections. If an operator speaks up about mechanical issues, have the crane inspected and serviced before putting a load or lives at risk of injury and damage. Regular maintenance can help prevent site workers from being struck by objects or caught in between.
Our best practices for keeping up with maintenance and repairs include the following:
- Regular inspections
- Following the manufacturer's guidelines
- Tracking crane usage and prior maintenance
There are also a number of helpful safety devices that can be used to help make working with and around cranes much safer. Investing in machine usability and reliability with proper inspections and maintenance will improve safety and help keep you on schedule, even with reduced numbers.
4. Take Care Of Your Workers’ Needs
Temperatures don’t need to hit the triple digits or get below freezing to cause issues with crane operations. Temperature affects both the equipment used and those operating and assisting with lifts.
Make sure to support and protect your employees. Overwork in any job can lead to lowered productivity and increased mistakes. And on construction sites, both can be extreme safety hazards. Promote and provide a space for workers to take a few moments to rest their minds and bodies, especially when extreme heat or cold sets in on a job site.
Workers who are well-rested mentally and physically will be more productive and more alert to potential safety concerns.
5. Promote Clear Communication
Proper communication is the key to safety throughout crane operation, especially while a lift is in process. Construction sites can be incredibly loud, and you shouldn’t depend on verbal communication, even over the radio.
Warning and crane lights can help keep the immediate working area fully illuminated during loading and lift operations and visibly indicate that the crane is or will soon be in operation. Audible warning devices like horns or radios can help communicate in congested areas where lights may not be visible to all personnel. Horns are specifically required by OSHA for cranes that utilize radio controls.
If you plan to have a crane on-site for an extended period, we recommend getting your regular, non-crane crew up to speed on these hand signals so they can safely navigate around the lift area.
The simplest way to follow OSHA safety standards about suspended loads is to ensure that no one is ever within the fall zone unless absolutely necessary to complete a lift safely. Such exceptions include riggers who help hook and unhook loads, spotters who may help guide a lift, or other workers who may be involved in structural attachment.
Comprehensive, Safe Crane Rental Year Round
Experience, communication, and proper training are the best tools for operating a crane safely. With over 40 years of moving and using cranes, Parker’s Crane Service has the expertise for safe, reliable operations regardless of the job site or weather.
We pride ourselves on safety and our Zero Accident Philosophy and conduct many detailed safety measures when performing a job to ensure that no project carries unnecessary risk. We perform the following for every single job we take:
- Pre-Lift Job Assessments
- Daily Risk Assessments
- On-site Hazard Analysis
- Routine Management Audits
With a fleet of well-maintained hydraulic truck cranes, we offer not only the best equipment but can also help with site installation, maintenance, and operation. Our crew is OSHA and MSHA-compliant to ensure your site and crew safety.
Parker's Crane provides quality crane rental, rigging, and heavy hauling services throughout the Carolinas and the East Coast. Contact us if you would like to discuss your needs and whether or not our services and equipment will work for your construction project. We provide free on-site quotes and evaluations.