Whose Job Is It to Inspect Cranes at the Jobsite?

Safety is always the most important consideration when operating heavy machinery, such as cranes and related equipment. To ensure that a workplace is safe before any construction tasks can begin, the machinery and surrounding area must be thoroughly inspected ahead of time.

But whose job is it to inspect cranes at the jobsite?

What You Need to Know About Crane Safety

An active construction site can be a hazardous area, especially when cranes and other heavy equipment are being employed for the job. Each worker on-site is responsible for behaving in a safe and responsible manner, as well as for looking out for the safety of their coworkers. In most cases, workers will be assigned to take on specific tasks with regard to the overall safety of the jobsite.

When it comes to cranes and other heavy machinery, the safety inspection is performed by the equipment operator. The crane operator must work their way down an extensive checklist, ensuring each element is safe and secure before any construction can begin.

While certain details on different crane safety checklists may vary, the broad strokes will remain the same. The operator will begin by ensuring that all warning labels are both visible and legible. They will check key elements such as wires and chains for signs of wear, as well as make sure no other elements of the crane are broken or damaged. They will also ensure the crane has the proper load rating for the job it’s expected to perform.

The crane operator must also make an inspection of the surrounding area. Before they can begin working with heavy machinery they must make sure there are no bystanders in the immediate vicinity. They must also ensure there are no obstructions or hazards that can interfere with the task that is to be performed.

Learning the Ropes

For a motivated individual with a keen eye for detail, operating cranes and other heavy equipment can be an excellent career choice. Skilled construction workers are always in high demand, and certified crane operators can earn an excellent living if they can demonstrate they’ve received the proper training.

Before hiring an individual, employers will want to know that a candidate has a very thorough understanding of all the safety requirements. They do not want anyone asking whose job it is to inspect cranes at the jobsite, because all workers should already be aware of their own responsibilities. This is why employers will usually only consider applicants who carry a certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). That certification demonstrates that the operator has been trained to specific, standard safety procedures as recommended by OSHA and experts in the field.

Students at West Coast Training will learn about lattice boom cranes, telescopic boom cranes, mobile cab cranes, and fixed cab cranes. You can also opt to learn about other equipment such as dozers, loaders, and backhoes. You will spend approximately half of your time in the classroom, learning how to read load charts and work your way down safety checklists. The rest of the time will be spent in the field, learning to operate the equipment firsthand under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors.

At the conclusion of their training, students will receive their NCCCO certification so that they can jumpstart their careers in the lucrative world of construction.