In last week’s post on distractions, we talked about how important it is for crane operators to Keep Your Head In The Game, and how cell phones can impact operations. So what’s another area where distractions occur but it cannot be as easily seen as a cell phone in the hand? We are talking about the mind.  The internal battlefield over an operator’s thoughts… the argument you had last night…worry about a friend or family member’s situation… the outcome of a medical test…job security…finances…and the list could go on and on.   In fact, mental and emotional distractions are probably the most easily dismissed type of distraction, but they can make a big difference in the effectiveness of an operator and the safety on the site.

In the words of one of our Crane Tech instructors, crane operators must “put your junk in the trunk” (more…)

A ringing cell phone… family issues… the weekend fishing trip…text messages…ball game scores… funny pet videos…the glare of the sun… and we could go on and on. Sometimes they are outside distractions, such as a phone call, text, or equipment issue (such as discussed in our Crane Cab Series). Other times they are internal distractions, such as medical concern, personal issue, or plans for a future event. But, it only takes (more…)

In this series we have discussed the cleanliness and construction of the crane cab.  In the final post we will provide a quick examination of a few of the safety and support features of a cab that help keep operators comfortable, so they can make lifts safe. (more…)

In part 1, we explored what the cleanliness of the crane cab conveys about the operator, now in part 2 we will take a closer a look at the construction of the cab and some features designed to keep operations safe. But first, lets look at a scenario:  An operator has a dirty cab, so every time they operate they have to kick the debris in the bottom of the cab out of the way.  The window is dirty and has a large crack across it, so the operator is continually trying to find an area of unobstructed view.  It starts to lightly rain and the operator turns on the worn windshield wipers that proceed to smear the residual dirt mixed with the rain all over the windshield.  The operator then tries to use the windshield washer fluid only to find that it has never been filled.  The cab starts to fog because of the moisture and when the operator tries to utilize the window defogger it doesn’t work because; of all the debris blocking it (i.e.  operator’s manual, newspaper, magazines, rags, etc.) Now the operator cannot see properly and an accident occurs. 

By themselves these concerns may or may not have caused an accident, but the accumulated deficiencies (more…)

Part 1: The Cleanliness Of The Cab

The crane cab is equivalent to the operator’s office.  Whether its near the ground or high in the sky, operators typically work long hours, staying alert and ready for the task at hand.  So what does the cleanliness of the cab say about an operator?  (more…)