NSC, NCCCO Foundation Report on the Role of Technology in Crane Safety

NSC, NCCCO Foundation Report on the Role of Technology in Crane Safety

New technologies, such as proximity sensors and drones, may significantly reduce the risks and hazards faced by crane operators and improve safety in the crane industry.

A new report released by the National Safety Council (NSC) and the NCCCO Foundation highlights the potential of new technologies to improve safety in the crane industry. With the cost of a crane-related fatality estimated at over $4 million, the report identifies 13 technologies that could mitigate risks while enhancing efficiency.

According to a recent release, NSC—through its Work to Zero initiative—surveyed more than 2,000 crane operators in 2023 to better understand the dangers they face. Based on this research, the report identifies 13 technologies that can improve crane safety. These are the following:

  • Anti-Two Block Systems
  • Camera Systems and Computer Vision
  • Drones
  • Fatigue Monitoring Wearables
  • Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Load Moment Indicator Systems
  • Load Rotation and Maneuvering Devices
  • Location Geofencing
  • Proximity Sensors
  • Robotics
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality
  • Vital Signs Monitoring Wearables
  • Wind Speed Indicators

The report also features two case studies demonstrating how drone technology and camera systems can be used to enhance crane operations, from emergency response to preventing blind spot incidents.

“While there are many serious risks associated with the crane industry—ranging from electrocution and boom collapses to crane overturns and being struck by a moving load —it’s clear more work is needed to improve safety in this important field,” Katherine Mendoza, NSC senior director of workplace programs, said in a statement. “There’s no better way to glean insights about potential solutions to mitigate risks than by learning from those impacted, which is why we partnered with the NCCCO Foundation to survey workers in the crane industry and identify hazards and technology innovations to reduce injuries.”

According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, fatal injuries in transportation and material moving, including crane operations, ranked among the highest in 2022. NSC and the NCCCO Foundation intend to continue collaborating to educate the crane industry about potential workplace hazards and technology solutions to minimize risks.

More information on the report, titled Potential Technology Solutions to Address Hazards in the Crane Industry, is available on the NSC website.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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