Material Handling - Small Crane Usage

Throughout North America, companies are changing job functions of their personnel in order to achieve greater efficiency. This is very important from a competitive perspective and the old concept of one person, one job, is disappearing. Assembly workers as well as many others have often had crane handling included in their job descriptions.

It can be argued that the potential for serious accidents is less with a ¼ ton crane than with a 20 ton crane but nevertheless, a serious accident can occur through the improper use of any industrial crane. In fact, there may be safety issues with small cranes that do not apply to larger cranes. As an example, the chain bags found on small  hoists sometimes wear out and no longer support the chain. When this happens, the chain can free fall and hit someone. This situation can result in a serious injury.

The Occupational Health & Safety Act requires those operating lifting devices; including small cranes, be adequately trained and certified.