However, critical lifts require more extensive planning and oversight by qualified persons. Even noncritical lifts require knowledge of the weight of the load (and other components considered to be part of the load), the configuration of the crane, the rated capacity of the crane at its lift configuration, and factors that may affect the crane’s rated capacity in order to make a “go/no-go” decision.

Therefore, establishing criteria for “critical lifts,” preparing formal lift plans, understanding the factors that affect rated capacities of mobile cranes, ensuring equipment is in good condition, and ensuring only qualified and trained personnel operate the equipment are all important components in preventing mobile crane incidents.Īll crane lifts require some level of planning, whether the load is a mere half-ton or more than 2,000 tons. “People do not plan to fail, they fail to plan.” As a result, less-than-adequate crane lift planning encompasses most, if not all, of the above causal factor categories.