$afety $aves – by Jason Todhunter

I was recently reading the Montana news and came across the story of a young man who died on the job while delivering construction materials.  He was operating a crane mounted on the truck, unloading materials when he was crushed by the load.  This got me thinking how many cranes/hoists do we have in the logging industry?  I can think of a bunch; in most shops, on pickups, shop trucks, service trucks, and delivery trucks.

First, we need to look at OSHA requirements for cranes and hoists; equipment with a rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2000lbs or less.  For these lifting devices they are covered under OSHA standard 1926.1441. The thing to know with these is the operator is not required to be certified but they are required to be trained.  This training includes operation practices, recognition of risk, and capabilities of the equipment.  It is very important to have this training documented and filed in your written safety program.   The other thing that is required with these lifts is inspections both annual and as used or daily.  

Once a crane can lift over 2000 lbs., the operators must have additional training and be certified to meet the OSHA requirements.  For these lifts, the OSHA Standard is 1926.1427. You can look at the standard and see what that requires https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1427. 

If you have a lift or hoist that is in this category, I strongly recommend reading this section and make sure you are in OSHA compliance!      

Cranes and lifts are great to have as they can save injuries related to lifting, but you need to know what the rules are depending on what lifting apparatus you have and how much it can lift.  Regardless of what you have there are some things to keep up on regardless of which one you have. 

1.      Make sure everyone who is operating it has been trained properly and this training is documented!  If it lifts over 2000lbs refer to the requirements in 1926.1427.

2.      Every time you use it keep and eye on the main hook and if applicable the cables and blocks. 

3.      Make sure the crane/lift/hoist is clearly marked with its load limit

4.       If available keep the owners/operators manual available to all operators.

5.      Complete a thorough annual inspection and document this!

6.      Never use these to lift people; unless you and your lift is licensed for this task!

7.      Always look out for overhead power lines!

These are just some of the highlights as there are a ton of rules and regs on cranes and lifts; if you have one take some time and educate yourself on what you have and what is required.  And most important make sure everyone who is using it is properly trained!   $afety $aves