Cranes are only as safe as their setup and operation. This begins, quite literally, with setting a proper foundation for the equipment using outrigger pads.
A quick Google search of “failed crane tipped over” produces nearly 4.5 million results in less than a second. A search of OSHA’s accident results for “crane outrigger” lists 55 incidents across three pages, including nine relating to cranes tipping over on the first page alone. Each month, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) compiles an accident report from published reports or incidents reported directly to TCIA staff that, unfortunately, often includes crane incidents. Accidents involving cranes result in costly damage, can be lethal and are entirely avoidable with the correct knowledge and preparation.
Cranes are only as safe as their setup and operation. This begins, quite literally, with setting a proper foundation for the equipment using outrigger pads.
Why use outrigger pads?
“An outrigger pad is a safety tool that can be used with any equipment that has outriggers, down jacks or stabilizers,” says Jeff Steiner,a 15-year TCIA Corporate Member company based in Woodstock, Illinois. “It is a must for stability when a piece of equipment – such as a crane – lifts loads or personnel aloft.”
