Crane accidents are one of the most common workplace accidents on a construction site. Many are caused by malfunctioning or missing components in cranes, hoists and rigging devices.  Even experienced crane operators can fall victim to serious accidents as a result of defective parts.

The Crane Manufacturers Association of America sets standards for the designs of cranes and hoists. In addition, crane manufacturers must comply with the design standards of the ASME/ANSI, which specify safety regulations for commercial cranes and hoists.

These regulations include the following standards:

• Safety latches must be provided for all crane and hoist hooks.
• An electrical disconnect switch must be provided for all cranes and hoists and the switch must be located in a labeled box with lock mechanisms in place.
• An electrical disconnect switch must be provided for all crane pendants.
• All hoist and hook blocks must carry labeling that signifies the maximum capacity of the hook.
• Cabs and bridge cranes must have motion alarms installed.
• Cranes and hoist hooks must not be repainted.
• The bridge underside must carry signs indicating NWSE directions. The pendant must also carry a direction label that corresponds to the label on the underside of the bridge.
• Building cranes and hoists must come with a slip clutch or an upper limit switch.
• New cranes and hoists must undergo load testing to a capacity of 125% before they are put into operation.
• If the crane or hoist comes with an overload device, separate load testing must be done to the required setting.
• Any platforms or baskets suspended from the crane must be designed according to specifications.

In addition to meeting the design and manufacturing standards of cranes and hoists, it is also important to ensure that all rigging equipment and components meet quality standards.

• Nylon slings that have damaged stitching or fibers or are worn out or discolored must never be used.
• Wire rope slings should be free of cracks, broken wires and twisted hooks.
• All steel slings must be free of cracks. Shackles, slings and hooks cannot have fractures or signs of welding.

Many accidents linked to cranes, hoists and rigging equipment can be avoided if all equipment is safe and manufactured according to industrial design and production standards. Manufacturers of cranes and hoists are required to make sure their equipment is free of design and manufacturing defects.