What does OSHA emphasize as crucial for crane operation?

OSHA emphasizes the importance of inspections conducted by a competent person as a key element in ensuring safe crane operations. Inspections are crucial because they help identify potential hazards and equipment deficiencies before they can contribute to accidents or incidents. A competent person, as defined by OSHA, possesses the necessary expertise, training, and understanding of the operations involved, allowing them to accurately assess whether cranes and lifting equipment are safe for use.

Regular operator training, proper load calculations, and frequent maintenance checks are also vital for safe crane operation but are considered secondary to the requirement of frequent inspections. Inspections play a critical role in the overall safety framework by ensuring all operational aspects—such as the condition of the crane, the adequacy of safety devices, and compliance with safety regulations—are thoroughly evaluated regularly. This proactive approach to safety is what significantly reduces the risk of accidents on construction sites.