About me

I am currently attending Lone Star college, I am studying Machinist Technology.  I have 14 years prior service with the U.S. Army.  Prior to attending Lone Star College I worked as a pipeline inspection technician.  I have had plenty experience with lifting objects with cranes both stationary and mobile.  I have been all over the world and experienced about every situation while lifting objects to high winds, rainy conditions, and high temperatures.

Lifting accidents

More than 250,000 crane operators and a very large but undetermined number of other workers and the general public are at risk of serious and often fatal injury due to accidents involving cranes, derricks, hoists, and hoisting accessories. There are approximately 125,000 cranes in operation today in the construction industry as well as an additional 80,000-100,000 in general and maritime industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 79 fatal occupational injuries were related to cranes, derricks, hoists, and hoisting accessories in 1993.  OSHA's analysis of crane accidents in general industry and construction identified an average of 71 fatalities each year.  While we lack adequate worker exposure data to calculate the risk of death for the entire population exposed, the risk of death among crane operators alone is significant, corresponding to a risk of more than one death per thousand workers over a working lifetime of 45 years. OSHA is developing an action plan to gather additional information and reduce worker exposures to this hazard but is not initiating rule making at this time.

here is a website with some statistics

Synthetic web slings

Synthetic web slings are generally constructed of nylon, or less frequently, polyester material and offer several attractive features which promote their popularity among rigging products. They are often selected when expensive, highly polished, fragile or delicate loads must be lifted. The softness of the web will not mar, deface or scratch loads, while its flexibility assures a firm, secure grip around the item being lifted. The light weight of the material, combined with superb flexibility allow the slings to be quickly and safely handled by riggers.  Web slings have the ability to elongate, absorbing and minimizing the effects of heavy shock loads. Nylon slings may stretch 6-8% at rated capacity, while polyester slings limit stretch to approximately 3% under similar circumstances. 

Chains

Alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, manufacture's gauge, rated load and angle upon which the rating is based, reach, number of legs, and sling manufacturer.  Rated loads for alloy steel chain sling shall conform to ASME SP.B30.9 Standards on Alloy Steel Chain Slings, Section ASME B30.9c-2000.  Hooks, rings, oblong links, pear-shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links or other attachments shall have a rated load at least equal to that of alloy steel chain with which they are used.  In those special cases where particular usage makes this impractical, the sling shall be marked with a rated load consistent with the least working load rating of any component.