Working around cranes is dangerous. If anyone enters a crane’s exclusion zone, they can be struck by loads, caught between objects, or electrocuted. Working safely around cranes requires staying alert, communicating well, and avoiding danger zones around the cranes.
Stay out of the crane’s swing radius. The rotating superstructure and counterweight can create caught-between and crushing hazards. If you’re between the crane and a fixed object, you could be seriously injured or killed if the crane rotates. Pay attention to barricades and warning signs around operating cranes. Stay out of exclusion zones.
Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t stand next to a load that could move, swing, or rotate and hit you or pin you against something. Never stand or work under a suspended load. Even a properly rigged load can shift, fall, or swing unexpectedly. If you’re in the wrong place, you could die because a shackle breaks or the wind changes.
Clear communication is critical. Follow the directions and hand signals from the designated signal person. Never assume the operator can see you or knows where you are. The crane structure, the load, or the building might be blocking their view. The operator is focused on the load and the signal person—not on you. If you need to approach a crane, make sure the operator and the signal person give you a clear go-ahead before you move.
Overhead power lines are a serious crane hazard. Any contact with energized power lines can result in severe electric shock, burns, or death. Clearly mark overhead power lines before any work begins. The minimum clearance between the crane and any power line is 10 feet—voltage increases, the required clearance increases, too. If you don’t know the voltage and the proper clearance, stop work and ask. Never assume a power line is insulated or de-energized. If a crane or load contacts a power line, stay away from the equipment and call 911. Do not touch or get close to the crane, the load, the tag line, or anything in contact with the crane. If you’re the operator, stay in the cab.
Weather can affect crane safety. High winds can cause loads to swing, reduce crane stability, and make loads difficult to control. Rain can cause poor visibility and make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of an accident. Do not operate a crane during a thunderstorm. Pay attention to the weather. Stop work if the weather makes conditions unsafe.
Stay alert and actively watch for hazards. Before work begins, look for signs that something is wrong or could go wrong. Watch for damaged equipment, hydraulic leaks, changes in the ground near the crane, and someone who shouldn’t be in an exclusion zone. Immediately report any problem you see, even if it seems minor. Don’t assume someone else will report or fix the problem.
SAFETY REMINDER
Anyone who sees something that’s unsafe or looks wrong should stop the lift and speak up.
Safety Meeting Outlines, Inc. Safety Meeting Outlines. Safety Meeting Outlines, Inc., www.safetymeetingoutlines.com/. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.
