Cranes are the muscle on a construction jobsite. For both large and small construction projects, a crane is a critical piece of equipment. Their purpose is obvious, to lift and place heavy construction materials. Cranes have evolved through time to get bigger, more mobile, and safer. As automated as much of the world is these days a crane still requires an operator in the seat to move levers to pick and move material.

Crane safety standards have improved considerably in the last decade and while injuries still occur, they do so less frequently. Improperly operated, cranes injure by tipping, contacting overhead power lines, or by crushing unsuspecting workers. This lesson provides an overview of crane operations and safety. It is not part of a certification program for operators or intended to qualify riggers or signal persons.