All crane operators in Florida are responsible for being properly trained and licensed, and you won’t get hired if you aren’t able to show the proper training and education. This policy helps to avoid accidents and liability.
On the other hand, sometimes crane accidents occur because a workplace was not properly managed in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Knowing about these standards yourself can help you to make sure things are running right at your workplace, and such knowledge may help you make your case if an injury happens and liability comes into dispute.
Footwalk safety requirements
OSHA has strict rules regarding the positioning and structural integrity of footwalks attached to cranes. All footwalks must have an antislip walking surface and be secure enough to support 50 pounds per square foot.
All footwalks are required to have at least 48 inches of headroom so you do not end up striking your head while walking. A footwalk must run the entire length of the crane’s bridge on the drive side for any cab-operated cranes where sufficient headroom is available.
Crane access and arrangement
The cabs of all cranes need to be well-lit so you can see what you are doing, and the fire extinguisher cannot be made of carbon tetrachloride. The fixed ladder you use to access the crane cannot contain any gaps that are wider than 12 inches.
If you see that the cab itself does not have at least three inches of clearance between its movement area and all other fixed structures, this may be a violation. In addition, the cab of your crane must be positioned so that the driver can clearly see the load hook at all times, regardless of what position he or she is in.