If you’re going to need to use a crane, you’re going to also need to have outrigger crane pads, too. Otherwise, something catastrophic might happen. Here’s what you should know.
Cranes can — and do — tip over. – The reason you need to use a crane pad is because they keep cranes secure. They prevent them from tipping over, something that happens a whole lot more than you might think. One study found that the odds of a crane tipping over to be one in every 10,000 hours of use. Though the odds are slim, they’re not worth betting against.
Mobile cranes are particularly dangerous. – Mobile cranes are far more likely to tip over. Particularly if they’re carrying a load that’s too big when they’re being operated. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was an average of about 82 crane-related fatalities a year between 1997 and 2006. Although many of these deaths weren’t related to cranes tipping over, they can prove to be deadly.
Crane accidents can happen anywhere. – You might think that there’s no way your crane will tip over because of how and where you’re using it, but is it really worth taking a chance? Crane accidents can happen anywhere. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 26 workers were killed in crane-related incidents while working in the private construction industry in 2006. Notably, six died while working on the construction of highways, streets, and bridges. The second and third most common job sites that suffered fatalities in the private sector were manufacturing with 17 fatalities and minining with seven fatalities. It should also be noted that three workers employed by a government entity were also killed in crane-related incidents that year, too.
The point here is simple: if you’re going to use a crane, you need to use a crane pad, too. Otherwise, you’re courting disaster.
If you have any questions about steel crane pads, feel free to share in the comments. Helpful research also found here.
