Mobile Crane Safety: Tips and Best Practices

Mobile cranes are an essential part of most commercial construction projects, but with great lifting power comes serious responsibility. Even a minor mistake during a lift can cause major damage, costly delays or worse injuries on site.

At Total Lifting Services, safety always comes first. Understanding the common causes of mobile crane accidents and how to prevent them is key to running a safe and efficient site. In this blog, let’s take a closer look at the most frequent risks and how to avoid them.

What causes most mobile crane accidents?

Crane accidents rarely happen because of one single issue. More often, they’re the result of a few smaller factors that build up over time, from site conditions and poor communication to environmental hazards.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Improper setup or ground conditions – setting up on uneven, soft, or unstable ground.
• Overloading – exceeding the crane’s rated capacity.
• Weather conditions – high winds, heavy rain, or lightning.
• Contact with overhead power lines – one of the most serious and preventable causes of crane-related injuries.
• Lack of communication or planning – poor coordination between operators and ground teams.

Understanding these risks is the first step. The next is knowing how to prevent them.

How can you prevent mobile crane accidents?

There’s no single fix for safety. It’s about following consistent best practices at every stage of a lift.

Here’s how to reduce risks and keep your lifting operations safe and compliant for every project.

1. Start with a thorough lift plan

Every lift should begin with a detailed site assessment and lift plan. This includes:

• Evaluating ground conditions and access points.
• Checking load weight and radius to ensure the right crane is selected.
• Identifying potential hazards, such as overhead obstructions, buried services, or unstable surfaces.

When working with a professional lifting company, an Appointed Person will handle this process – using specific software and risk assessments to plan every element of the lift before the crane even arrives on site.

2. Always inspect your crane and lifting equipment

Daily pre-use checks are essential. Even the smallest defect, such as a worn sling or hydraulic issue, can lead to failure under load.

Before every lift, ensure the following:

• Outriggers are fully extended and secured.
• Hooks, cables, and slings are in good condition.
• Load indicators and safety systems are working correctly.
• The crane is positioned on level, stable ground.

If in doubt, stop and report it. It’s always safer to delay a lift than risk an incident.

Overhead power line safety: what to know

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Identify and mark all overhead lines before starting any lifting work.
• Establish exclusion zones; maintain a safe minimum distance, usually at least 10 metres from power lines (depending on voltage).
• Use a dedicated spotter to guide crane movements near hazards.

Avoid lifting under live lines whenever possible, reposition the crane or request the line be de-energised if necessary.

Make sure you brief all site personnel. Everyone working nearby should be aware of the hazards and safety protocols.

Tip: Modern mobile cranes often come equipped with height limiters and proximity alarms – make full use of these safety features when operating near overhead obstructions.

Weather considerations in mobile crane operation

Weather is one of the most unpredictable factors in lifting operations. Strong winds, rain, ice and lightning can all affect stability and control.

So, when should you stop lifting and what precautions should you take?

Wind

• Always check wind speed using an anemometer before and during operations.
• Stop lifting if wind speeds exceed the crane manufacturer’s limits – often around 9-14 m/s, depending on the model and load.
• Be cautious with large, flat loads, such as panels or cladding, that can catch the wind.

Rain and ice

• Wet or icy ground can affect stability; ensure mats or supports are in place.
• Wipe down rigging equipment before use to maintain a secure grip.

Lightning

• Never operate a crane during a thunderstorm. Cranes are tall, conductive structures and pose a major strike risk.
• Stop all operations immediately and move personnel to a safe distance.
• Keeping a close eye on weather forecasts and real-time monitoring systems helps prevent unnecessary risk and downtime.

Who’s responsible for crane safety?

If you’re hiring a crane directly, you’re responsible for safety, planning, and supervision. That includes providing a qualified Appointed Person, ensuring insurance cover, and following all lifting regulations.

If you choose a contract lift, the lifting company takes on full responsibility – including lift planning, supervision, insurance and execution.

Not sure which you need?

For complex commercial projects or sites with limited lifting experience, a contract lift is usually the safest choice. It ensures every stage of the operation is handled by qualified professionals.

5 quick safety reminders for every lift

Even with the best planning, it’s important to maintain vigilance throughout the job. Keep these quick tips in mind on every site:

• Communicate clearly – use standard signals and keep radios charged and tested.
• Secure the site – no unauthorised personnel should enter the lifting zone.
• Double-check load weights – never exceed the rated capacity.
• Stay alert – operators and signallers should never be distracted.
• Review after every lift – quick post-lift checks help catch issues early.

Your next lift, done the right way

Preventing mobile crane accidents starts long before the lift itself. From detailed planning and equipment checks to weather awareness and power line safety, every stage matters.

Whether you’re managing a busy city-centre development or an industrial installation, taking a proactive approach to crane safety keeps your team protected, your project compliant, and your schedule on track.

Need expert help with safe, compliant mobile crane operations? Contact our team to discuss crane hire or fully managed contract lifting for your next project.