When conducting a site assessment, what is one of the main hazards to look for?

Identifying the presence of unmarked underground utilities is a critical aspect of conducting a site assessment because these utilities pose significant risks during crane operations. If a crane comes into contact with an underground utility line, it can lead to severe consequences, including serious injuries, equipment damage, service disruptions, and potentially catastrophic accidents.

Operators and crews must be aware of the potential hazards associated with underground utilities, which can include gas lines, electrical conduits, water pipes, and telecommunications cables. In many cases, these utilities are not visibly marked on the surface, making it essential for crews to perform thorough assessments and consult utility maps or use ground-penetrating radar to identify their locations before commencing work. Ensuring the safety of the worksite involves mitigating the risks posed by these hidden hazards, thereby safeguarding personnel and equipment.

While the availability of power sources, padlocks on crane gates, and the location of restroom facilities are important considerations for overall site safety and operations, they do not present the same level of immediate and severe risk to personnel as unmarked underground utilities do.