Ute Crane Operation — Safety First, Always
The use of ute cranes in the construction world is prevalent. These cranes are popular among construction contractors because of the many benefits that they have to offer, including easy transport to the job site, quick setup time, ability to operate in tight spaces, great lifting potential, etc. But like with any other type of crane, the proper use of ute cranes depends upon what measures are taken to ensure safe operation. If you are considering using ute cranes to lift and move heavy materials at various construction sites, here are a number of safety protocols and practices you'll need to follow:
Use of personnel with proper training on crane operation.
The first and most important safety rule when it comes to ute crane operation is to ensure that the equipment is only handled and operated by qualified personnel. This means that no worker should be allowed to operate your ute cranes unless they have undergone proper training and they have acquired the experience required to properly and safely handle the machines. If you intend to purchase ute cranes, make sure you have an in-house team that is qualified to operate the equipment. Otherwise, it might be best for you to wet hire — rent the equipment together with the complimentary workers needed to operate it.
Limit access to the work site.
There are so many inherent risks associated with the operation of ute cranes themselves. The equipment can malfunction and lead to serious injury on the job, or the materials being lifted by the cranes could fall on someone. Therefore, it is important to restrict access to the construction site — the site should be made a 'no-go zone' for people who are not directly involved in the goings-on at the site. This may require placement of warning signs asking unauthorised personnel and people to keep off the work area.
Brief personnel on safety procedures on a regular basis.
Human beings can become forgetful sometimes, hence it is not uncommon for even the most experienced workers to occasionally forget about some basic safety protocols. Therefore, it is important that you regularly hold briefings with your workers so you can remind them about the nitty-gritty of safe ute crane operations.
If you comply with the above safety protocols and all other safety guidelines required to ensure proper operation of ute cranes, you will reduce your employer's liability in the event of accidents that occur on the job. So, leave no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring safe operation of your ute cranes.