subject: Safety Measures In Crane Cabins To Protect Operators [print this page] Crane operators are one of the groups with higher levels of risk at work for several reasons, many of which are more related to the specificity of the work setting rather than to the actual handling of great, heavy loads that can have terrible consequences in case of collapse. Seats in crane cabins are not always specially designed to this end, and are actually adapted truck seats, which cannot protect crane operators from damaging their backs, necks and arms which have to suffer great tension when handling a load.
The people in charge of driving cranes work in tense circumstances, both physically and psychologically. Lifting and transportation of containers or other loads means that they often have to stay in one specific position for several minutes. In addition, the postures adopted may be unnatural or uncomfortable because of the controls of the crane not being in comfortable reach. Cranes are also subject to vibration and ground instability, which if not assimilated correctly by the cabin, can have a negative effect on the operators physical conditions.
Moreover, there are several psychological and environmental factors that impact on the crane and the operators productivity level and that can also become dangerous for all the workers involved in lifting operations. The vast majority of crane cabins have filtering devices that screen the air that enters the cabin in order to prevent gas, dust and contaminated agents from damaging the driver. It is also necessary to have a specific type of protective glass that not only resists significant impacts but that also reduces the effects of noises and reflection of the sun.
There are several psychological factors in place whenever a worker is operating a crane that can lead to stress. Little knowledge of the load, of the people involved in the operation, deficient communication channels and short times to finish the task, can put such pressure on the operator that he/she might have to block the lifting, a choice that is certainly the most sensitive response if one does not have the certainty of being able of performing the task at hand with all safety guarantees.
The working environment inside the cabin must therefore create a safe and comfortable setting for the worker in terms of posture, protection from the outside and easiness in all inside elements: ergonomic seats, correct temperature, easily reachable controls etc.
To this end and due to the growing demand of crane producers, several innovations have taken place in the field during the last few years. The best seats are designed with adaptability and support in mind, adequate for several types of physical complexions and with armrests that include several of the most frequently used commands in order to reduce back and arm tension.
