What must be done to ensure all personnel are safe during a crane lift?

To ensure all personnel are safe during a crane lift, maintaining constant communication with the crane operator is essential. This practice allows for the coordination of actions between the operator and ground personnel, enhancing situational awareness and facilitating real-time updates about the lift's progress. Effective communication can help identify potential hazards and ensure that everyone is aware of the load's movement, planned route, and any changes in conditions.

This communication can involve verbal signals, hand signals, or radio communication, depending on the circumstances and the environment. Establishing a routine for hand signals or having a designated signal person can also significantly reduce risks during the lift.

In contrast, lowering the load quickly may lead to danger without considering the surroundings or personnel. Encouraging workers to stand close increases the likelihood of accidents or injuries, while relying on visual signals alone may not be sufficient to convey complex instructions or respond to urgent situations, as visual cues can be misinterpreted or missed altogether especially in noisy or obstructed environments.