Causes of Crane accidents:

Overloading, Failure of safety devices, Abnormal conditions; Faulty slinging, signals, placing, etc.; Faulty erection, alteration, dismantling procedure, and operator behavior. 

Safe working procedure should be in such writing that must be clearly understood by crane driver,

maintenance engineer, etc.

Fall of jib is common types of accident in use of scotch derrick cranes. Such a fall may be due to failure of the derricking rope or part of the derricking mechanism. Such accidents can be prevented by the provision of an effective interlocking mechanism. 

All cranes, Lifting gear, tools and tackles must have a current test certificate, which requires renewal at specific intervals.

After each erection of a crane or alteration affecting the anchorage or ballast, tests should be applied to establish its adequacy. but, it may be overlooked, particularly if cranes are working on isolated sites.

Once any sling has been shock loaded it should be removed from service.

All jib cranes must have an automatic safe load indicator for visual and audible warning when crane begins to operate above the safe working load. The SWL at varying radii must be clearly marked and be visible to the operator. 

Tandem lifting can be hazardous if not planned properly. Care must be taken that the safe working load of each crane for the required jib length and operating radius should be at least 25% in excess of the calculated share of the load to be handled by each crane during the tandem lift.

Any irregularities found during checks should be reported to department responsible person.

Check adjustment of controllers, clutches, brakes, etc., for smooth and accurate control; 

Check automatic safe load indicator for proper working;

Check conditions of ropes, chains, and their anchorages;

Check all points mentioned in Crane manufacturer's operating manual;

EOT crane should be used only for making direct lifts. Dragging can cause the load ropes to leave the hoist barrel grooves, with serious accident.   

 The load ratings for mobile cranes

apply to firm and level ground only.

Cross travel, long travel, over winding and over lowering switches should be tested at the beginning of each shift.

Understand anti-two block devices, load moment indicators, boom angle indicators, load indicating devices, outriggers and pad supports.

Must not lift any load unless satisfied that it is properly slung.