Dangers of Powerline Contact Each year, workers are killed by electrocution from contact with overhead power lines. Over 90 percent of the contacts involved overhead distribution lines. These are the same lines that run in the alleys behind our houses and through our job sites. Since they are so common to us, they seem harmless. This serious mistake is fueled by two common misconceptions: the belief that some overhead lines don't carry enough power to kill, and the belief that power lines are well-insulated. Both are dead wrong. The leading category of contact involves heavy equipment--cranes, drilling rigs, concrete pumps, aerial buckets,...

Construction Equipment Dangers Construction equipment used on construction jobs often creates dangerous conditions. This Tailgate Safety Topic examines a few situations which should be watched for at all times. Any moving equipment, such as skip loaders, back hoes, trenchers, cranes, hi-lifts, trucks, you name it should be respected and avoided. Don’t just assume that the operator sees you. You could wind up injured or worse. And don’t depend on hearing a horn or an alarm to warn you that moving equipment is near. You may not be able to hear equipment’s alarm over other construction noise. When you see that equipment is traveling...

Crane Operations Working Under The Load When you think about it, the human body is totally out-matched when it tries to go against crane operations working under the load. Think of the dangers for a moment. First, the load is being lifted by a mechanical device operated by a human being. We know that both are subject to limitations and failures. Something can go wrong despite our best intentions. Loads can be heavy, difficult to rig, and are subject to unexpected movement. There is only one sure way to avoid injury, stay clear of the load! Crane movements should always be considered...

Mobile Cranes Mobile cranes are responsible for the most accidents, injuries, and fatalities of all of the crane types. Be aware of the hazards if you operate or work around mobile cranes. Get proper training on crane operation and load preparation and securing. Wear hard hats, safety boots, and high visibility clothing when operating or working around cranes. Falling loads from mobile cranes pose a severe hazard to operators and nearby workers. Never exceed the load capacity of the mobile crane. If you are unsure about the load size and weight, calculate the weight to ensure that it meets your crane’s capacity....

Signaling Techniques Proper signaling can greatly increase the efficiency and productivity of a construction project whether it is guiding a delivery vehicle, a forklift or a crane. Improper signaling can kill or injure workers as well as cause severe property damage on a project. The following points are recommended discussion points when discussing signaling. Guide for Discussion Know the signals. If you have to, get with the operator and coordinate what signals mean. Allow only one person to give signals. Be sure the operator knows who the signal person is. The signal person must: Always be in a position to see both the operator and...

Working Around Cranes A crane is one of the most versatile and important pieces of equipment usually found on a construction job. It can be used to accomplish a lot of otherwise heavy-lifting tasks. However, it can also be one the most dangerous since it can lift heavy loads over large areas of a project. Today we will discuss some of the important safety points about working around cranes. Guide for Discussion Always be aware of the swing radius of the crane Never walk within the swing radius of the crane Never work under suspended Besides the crane boom could fail. Never...

Dangers Overhead More and more contractors are using mechanical means to lift loads to the working area; it saves time and avoids injuries. But there is still a hazard. If it takes a piece of equipment to lift materials, then you can bet that if the load falls, it can seriously injure or kill you. Always be aware of overhead operations and remember basic safety rules. Guide for Discussion Always be sure loads are carried close to the Use tag lines on loads whenever Use only one signal Be sure the signal person can clearly observe the load and operator at all ...

Inspection And Use Of Slings Equipment Hazards  Each day before being used, all slings, fastenings and attachments must be inspected for damage or defects. Any damaged or defective sling must be immediately removed from service. Some general safe operating practices for slings of all types are: Slings, which are damaged or defective, shall not be used. Slings shall not be shortened with knots, bolts or other makeshift devices. Sling legs shall not be kinked. Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities. Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent slippage. Slings shall be...

Power Lines and Mobile Cranes Instructor Note: This has been added to the Tool Box talks because electric line companies get very upset when a crane (or dump truck bed or other piece of heavy equipment) gets close to or touches a power line. It can also cost you your life! Introduction: It is not uncommon to work around power lines; however, the potential hazards to workers are enormous; workers just have to work safer. Guide for Discussion How to Avoid Electrocution Locate all power supplies. Besides this being the state law, it’s smart. Have the Power Company inform you of the voltage and...

Overhead Shop Crane Safety Overhead shop cranes move heavy items in manufacturing and production areas. Although shop cranes are useful, “overhead” can sometimes be “out of sight and out of mind” when it comes to safety. Workers need training on crane hazards and operation, and they should never forget the safety issues moving overhead. Only trained operators should use overhead shop cranes. They should always be inspected and tested before operation. Shop cranes require audible warning devices when moving unless the crane is operated by a floor worker using a suspended controller. Everyone on the worksite should be trained on the...