EDUCATION CONNECTION
Stair Supplies uses this workstation crane in their glass plant.
Improve Workplace Safety and Productivity with Overhead Cranes By Paul Hershberger When most people think of a crane, they think of the giant cranes used to build skyscrapers or other tall structures. But have you considered that cranes can help lift heavy objects inside a building? These types of cranes are called overhead cranes. They’re used in many industries to move heavy loads safely and efficiently. Many manufacturers and fabricators have a workspace that is holding back production. Overhead cranes can transform any workspace by improving efficiency and reducing worker fatigue. While there is an initial investment upfront, an overhead crane will help your company save costs in the long run and increase profitability. So how do overhead cranes promote workplace safety without hindering productivity? Overhead cranes are an efficient way of moving
the bridge. This hoist is the muscle and does all the heavy lifting. Overhead cranes can often lift .25 to 2 tons, so you’ll be able to move heavy loads with ease. For fabricators, it means they can easily move slabs and other heavy materials. Moving heavy material in the shop takes a lot of manpower. It’s manual labor that adds to worker fatigue and downtime in production. Workers’ safety is put at risk by having to carry loads by hand or use a forklift, and forklift accidents are all too common. Regardless, a forklift doesn’t carry loads as steadily and safely as an overhead crane, and it can take a lot of time to navigate a forklift from one area to another in a busy shop. It often takes two men and a forklift to do the work of a single workstation crane. Overhead cranes require one operator, thus reducing the required manpower. Cranes can be
heavy objects from one area in a workplace to
operated remotely with a wireless radio control,
another. They are made up of a bridge that spans
making it easy to lift a heavy load with the push of a
the work area, and a hoist that travels the length of
button. Workers won’t have to hunt down a forklift;
16 • Vol. 14 / Issue 3 • International Surface Fabricators Association
