A risk assessment for crane operations should consider several key hazards and control measures.

Hazards:

• Falling Loads: This is a primary hazard. Dropped materials can cause serious injury or death.
• Crane Instability: Overloading, uneven ground, or high winds can cause the crane to tip.
• Contact with Power Lines: Cranes can easily come into contact with overhead power lines, leading to electrocution.
• Improper Signaling: Unclear or incorrect signals between the signaler and the operator can lead to accidents.
• Equipment Failure: Mechanical failure of the crane, rigging, or supporting structures can cause catastrophic events.
• Dust inhalation: When using materials such as concrete and mortar, dust can be generated. If user operations generate dust, fumes, gas, vapor or mist, use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits [1]. Wear breathing apparatus if exposed to vapours/dusts/aerosols 4, 9, 10, 12, 13, 19.

Risk Assessment:

• Assess the likelihood and severity of each hazard. For example, working near power lines has a high potential severity.
• Consider the experience and training of the crane operator, signal person, and rigging crew.
• Evaluate the condition of the crane and rigging equipment.
• Analyze the environmental conditions, such as wind speed and ground stability.

Control Measures:

• Pre-Operation Inspection: A thorough inspection of the crane and rigging equipment before each use is essential.
• Load Charts: Operators must understand and adhere to the crane's load chart.
• Qualified Personnel: Ensure that the crane operator, signal person, and rigging crew are properly trained and certified.
• Clear Communication: Use standardized hand signals or radio communication.
• Exclusion Zone: Establish a clear exclusion zone around the crane's working area.
• Tag Lines: Use tag lines to control the load and prevent it from swinging.
• Weather Monitoring: Monitor weather conditions and cease operations if wind speeds are too high or visibility is poor.
• Ground Conditions: Ensure that the ground is level and stable before setting up the crane.
• Power Line Safety: Maintain a safe distance from power lines. Use a spotter to ensure clearance.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers should wear hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility clothing.
• Engineering controls: If user operations generate dust, fumes, gas, vapor or mist, use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits [1].
• Hand protection: Wear suitable waterproof gloves [2].
• Eye protection: Wear approved eye protection (properly fitted dust- or splash-proof chemical safety goggles) and face protection (face shield) [2].
• Skin and body protection: Wear suitable waterproof protective clothing [2].

Monitoring and Review:

• Regularly inspect the crane and rigging equipment.
• Conduct periodic safety meetings to discuss crane safety.
• Review accident and near-miss reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Update the risk assessment as needed to reflect changes in equipment, procedures, or environmental conditions.