Do you have to use specific 3rd party crane safety training or can you do an in-house training program?
Crane safety training SHOULD be an essential part of any companies overall safety and efficiency program, in any construction or industrial, or oilfield environment.
Light duty cranes, known by many names like: mini crawler cranes, boom truck, pickers, service cranes, carry deck cranes, etc. are generally smaller and more versatile machines that are often used in tight spaces or for general maintenance, hotshot, plant turnarounds or more specific tasks and we find most operators don’t have any light crane safety training at all. We’re told they are easy to run, easy to figure out and the words we don’t like hearing…”I’ve run all types of equipment and never had formal training…”
However, just because they are smaller in capacity doesn’t mean they are any less dangerous than their larger crane cousins. In fact, the compact size and maneuverability of light duty cranes can make them even more hazardous if not operated properly.
Light duty crane training is a crucial step because it teaches operators how to safely and efficiently use these machines. This include things like learning how to properly inspect the crane before use WITH the right checklist that is specific to those cranes, in fact provincial OHS documents do state that specific training, specific machines and specific checklists…Fun fact…did you know there are 7 different pre-use checklist?
Also how to properly set up and secure the crane, and how to safely move and manipulate loads. It also covers important safety measures such as emergency procedures, safety systems of the crane, proper communication techniques, and most of all…understanding load charts.
There is also the ‘shadowing’, mentoring and mirror programs many companies have in place, what can be wrong with this? For the most part nothing..except that the person providing the mentoring might also be providing the new operator with al their habits, good AND bad!
Without proper light duty crane training, operators may not be aware of the full capabilities and limitations of their equipment, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Proper training also helps to increase productivity and efficiency on the job site, as well as reduce damage to equipment and materials.
In addition, provinces and municipalities have regulations in place now that require operators to have a certain level of crane training (theory and practical operating time), before operating a light duty crane. This is to make sure that operators have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively use the equipment.
Summary – light duty crane safety training is an essential aspect of ensuring safety and efficiency in any environment.
It teaches operators how to safely and efficiently use these cranes, and it is a requirement in many provinces and municipalities. Investing in light duty crane training is an investment in the safety and well-being of workers, lowering operating costs of the equipment and most of all, you never have to sit across from an employees family and say; “We could have done better but we didn’t.”
Contact us for pricing, availability or to find out more about our crane training programs HERE