VANCOUVER — It’s no secret crane rigging failures have caused and can cause serious injuries and fatalities on construction sites.
B.C. has seen its share of crane incidents over the last couple of years, and as such WorkSafeBC has implemented a number of measures to try and improve crane safety across the province.
The organization recently released a new bulletin, Preventing crane rigging failures, which provides an overview of how rigging failures typically happen and how to reduce the risks.
Rigging (fibre or wire ropes, chains, slings, attachments, etc.) that can lift thousands of kilograms may fail catastrophically, but what are some hazards?
WorkSafeBC has highlighted the following:
- Sharp edges of suspended loads can damage rigging.
- If a load shifts, the rigging may fail or the load may fall from the rigging.
- A suspended load can fail if it has insufficient structural integrity for the forces imposed on it during a lift.
There are also responsibilities for everyone involved in moving a load. Employers must provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure that crane operators and riggers:
- Plan the lift.
- Rig and lift items safely.
- Ensure rigging and slinging work is done by, or under the direct supervision of, qualified workers familiar with the rigging to be used.
- Ensure the lifting attachment(s) and/or the load can withstand the forces applied to them during the lift.
- Ensure the health and safety of all workers.
The bulletin features diagrams and more details.
There is also a tower cranes webpage that contains more information and resources.
Recent Comments