Electrical Hazards in Overhead Crane Safety

Electrical Hazards in Overhead Crane Safety

According to OSHA, almost half of all overhead crane accidents are caused by a part of the crane coming into contact with an electrical source while the crane is in use. Contact with power lines can be catastrophic when any metal part of the crane touches an overhead line. Most often occurs when the crane is being used to move materials close to or underneath a live power line, and the boom or the hoist line touches that power line. Anyone who has ever worked on a large construction job site is aware of how important crane safety is for saving money, saving time, and saving lives. When used in a proper manner, overhead cranes can make any heavy lifting or moving job much safer and easier than it would be without the crane. But there are always certain hazards to watch for when running a piece of equipment this large. Overhead wires and electrical hazards is just one of the many dangers that crane operators must look out for. Unfortunately, the crane operator cannot always see obstructions that are not in his direct line of site.

Sadly, the crane operator is often electrocuted in these types of accidents, but the danger doesn’t stop there. Anyone near the crane is also in danger of electrocution from electrical arches which can occur. In fact, most victims are the riggers and spotters who are guiding the load. Just one incident of machinery coming into contact with an overhead power line can result in many deaths and injuries. 

In this case I will give you this new real video showing such events. I hope you will comment to exchange information to improve awareness for working safely.