When working with cranes, what is a critical safety practice to follow?

When working with cranes, a crucial safety practice is to never stand or walk under any load suspended by a crane. This is vital because the risk of a dropped load can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Even if the load is apparently stable, unforeseen circumstances such as equipment failure, movement from wind, or sudden swaying can occur. Staying clear of the area beneath a suspended load minimizes the risk of being directly harmed in the event of an accident.

Other safety practices, such as checking the load before lifting and using adequate lifting techniques, are also important, but they do not mitigate the immediate risk of being struck by a falling load. Operating cranes in unfavorable weather conditions can jeopardize safety, as poor visibility and high winds can affect control over the load. Furthermore, securing a load with only one safety line may not provide sufficient support and could lead to accidents if that line fails. Therefore, avoiding standing or walking under any suspended load is critical in maintaining safety at crane operations.