Hot Loads, High Stakes
Working safely in the heat of crane operations
By Michelle Marsh
Crane operations don’ t cool down in the summer and neither does the heat. While the industry races to meet deadlines under wide-open skies, an invisible hazard rises with the temperature: heat stress. And when you’ re lifting thousands of pounds with precision equipment, there’ s no room for heat-induced error.
Every jobsite deserves more than cones and caution tape. It deserves a comprehensive safety strategy and one that doesn’ t just account for what’ s on the ground, but also the high-stakes choreography of crane work. Because when you’ re up in the cab or signaling below, your ability to focus, react and move safely can quickly evaporate.
Summer Reality
Let’ s not sugarcoat it, crane work is physically and mentally demanding even on a mild day. But crank up the mercury to 90-plus degrees, add in 60 % humidity, bake in a steel platform and suddenly you’ re not just battling gravity but your own body.
Heat stress doesn’ t knock politely. It sneaks up with fatigue, dizziness and slowed reaction times. That’ s dangerous in any trade, but in crane operations, it can be life-threatening.
Operators up in the cab, often in minimally ventilated environments, are especially vulnerable while spotters and riggers down below contend with radiating asphalt, reflective surfaces and often limited access to shade. And let’ s not forget that personal protective equipment, while necessary, may also be sweltering as full gear can trap heat and make it harder for the body to cool down.
Spot the Signs
In all cases, heat illness prevention training should be clear: stop first, assess always. That means everyone on-site, from the operator to the oiler, should know the early warning signs like muscle cramps, headaches, lightheadedness, confusion, nausea and irritability. The moment any of these show up, it’ s not“ tough it out,” it’ s“ time out.”
Too many workers ignore those early signs and risk collapsing on the job. That can’ t happen 30 feet in the air or beside a suspended load. It’ s
12 August 22, 2025 www. contractorshotline. com