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
Avoid sudden starts and stops, which make the load swing. Bring the hook directly over the load before you lift, and keep the load clear of obstructions. Never use the upper limit switch as an operating control (29 CFR 1910.179(n)(4)(ii)). If two cranes lift one load, one qualified, responsible person must be in charge (29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(ix)).
ASK THE CREW
What do you check on the crane at the start of the shift?
From the talk: Overhead crane safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.