Most Common OSHA Fines to Crane Operators and Riggers

Fines, violations, or citations for issues related to mobile cranes happen when something goes wrong. (And if it’s gone awry and there’s been an accident, odds are someone has called the crane operator insurance provider!)

 

Do you know the most common

Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)

 fines against crane operators and riggers?

 

Aside from morbid curiosity, it’s essential to know not just for those of us in the crane operator insurance industry but also for those working with mobile cranes. Knowing the most common transgressions can help you to be more vigilant.

Here are some of the most common reasons crane operators get fined by OSHA:

Improper inspections: Inspections must be timely, thorough, and appropriately documented. Failing to identify issues like damage or excessive wear can be severe and fatal.

Issues related to the qualifications of signal persons: Employers who are not in compliance with having properly certified signal persons who know when to use hand, radio, or other signals to ensure the safe operation of the crane.

Unsafe operation near power lines: Precautions around power lines are critical. Properly certified operators will know and understand how to identify risks (for equipment, load, rigging, lifting accessories, etc.) and take steps to avoid them.

Failure to stay clear of the load: Everyone from the lift directors and operators to the riggers and signal persons must know who is permitted in the fall zone – and who is not – and ensure that no one is beneath the load.

Unsafe operation: Citations for infractions ranging from being distracted by cell phones or other activities to improperly loading goods are all issues related to hazardous operations.

Willfully hiring operators who lack proper qualification and certification: OSHA has a requirement that all operators make sure that those they hire as operators are adequately trained and licensed (or certified) by an accredited national organization.

There’s a saying that knowledge is power. The best strategy to avoid crane operator insurance claims is to ensure that all crane operators, riggers, and signal persons are properly trained and certified.

Having a safety mindset that reminds everyone on-site to watch that there are no hazards is also essential. Complacency can quickly become a problem in the absence of vigilance and encouragement. For example, to complete all inspections in a timely and conscientious manner.

Have you recently reviewed your crane operator insurance coverage? Contact us at New Heights Insurance Solutions to discuss the specialized insurance coverage we offer for crane rental operators.