In response to a fatal crane crash in Chicago last week, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recommends the book "Crane Hazards and Their Prevention" by David V. MacCollum PE, CSP, for industry employers and employees as well.
The book, designed for safety professionals, designers, manufacturers, crane rental firms, crane operators, property owners on premises where cranes are used, and electric utility companies whose powerlines are often struck by cranes, is useful for identifying hazards associated with cranes and their use.
As evidenced this week, hazards associated with cranes have taken many lives and caused numerous injuries, according to ASSE.
As reported, a cable that snapped, dropping the crane backward from the fourth-floor level of a high-rise project last Tuesday resulted in one fatality and injured two other construction workers.
The book outlines more than 50 examples of possible hazards, along with a sampling of safety requirements and other references for each.
It is intended to serve as an informational source for some of the available hazard prevention measures and design alternatives, not as a performance or compliance guide, said ASSE.
It shows what others are doing, as well as what can be done to make crane operations safer and more productive.
ASSE recommends the book by MacCollum, who has worked in the safety industry for more than 40 years.
For more information regarding "Crane Hazards and Their Prevention," visit the Technical Publications section of the ASSE Web site at www.asse.org.
by Virginia Sutcliffe