The hazard
An overhead crane moves heavy loads right over our heads. A dropped load, a swinging load, a failed brake or a bad rope can hurt or kill someone below. Much of your protection comes from checks and habits that take a few minutes: knowing the rated load, rigging well, testing before you lift and keeping people out from under the load.
The action
Attach the load to the hook with slings or other approved devices (29 CFR 1910.179(n)(2)(ii)). The hoist rope or chain must be free of kinks or twists and must not be wrapped around the load (29 CFR 1910.179(n)(2)(i)). The load must be well secured and properly balanced before it is lifted more than a few inches (29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(i)). Lift a few inches, check it and test the brakes before you go further. (29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(i))
ASK THE CREW
What would we do if a load got stuck or the crane stopped mid-lift?
From the talk: Overhead crane safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.