Gantry Harbor Crane Operator’s View

Cranes are vital to the operation of many different companies. Construction sites rely on cranes to move large loads of equipment and supplies, port sites rely on cranes to load heavy cargo into and out of ships, and other jobs us cranes as well. Despite all of the improvements that have been made to cranes since the technology explosion, there was one area that stayed in deep need of improvement. That area was communication. The way a crane operator communicated with the riggers and subcontractors below remained the same for decades. Relying on hand signals and radios, communication was slow and often misinterpreted. HoistCam is working to change all of that. HoistCam’s cameras on cranes can improve the communication between operators and subcontractors as well as riggers and others on the ground. Here’s how:

HoistCam has created cameras on cranes which make it possible for the crane operators and the subcontractors to communicate much more smoothly than they ever have. Using magnets and safety lanyard, a camera is attached to any place on the job site that the crane operator needs to see. The camera’s live feed is sent back to a monitor which is inside of the cab of the crane with the operator. Now, instead of depending solely on the hand signals and radio communication with those on the ground, the crane operator can also see the load himself and see whether or not the load is properly secured. He can also tell if there are any obstructions in the path on the lift that he is about to make.

With HoistCam’s system in place, the crane operator can now see that the load is balanced and secured, and that the path of the entire lift is cleared. Site awareness is improved and the crane operator’s situational awareness improves to the point that he can respond quickly to any critical situation that could arise. Instead of trying to see hand signals from the ground below, the crane operator has a bird’s eye view of the subcontractors, and can clearly see any hand signals given. Radio communication is enhanced with a visual confirmation that all is okay. If requested, a monitor can even be placed in an office for the subcontractor to view the entire load from pick up to drop off.

When HoistCam’s cameras are mounted on cranes, blind spots are eliminated. Crane operators will no longer have to carry out dangerous blind lifts in which equipment, supplies, and people are at risk. He can be assured that the lift is going as it should, and that the subcontractor is satisfied with the process, since communication with the subcontractor is now open. Subcontractors will also be happy to know that adding camera systems to cranes can increase the speed of a lift in open space by as much as 27%, and increase the speed of lifts in blind space by as much as 39%. With increased speed, accuracy, and communication, you can’t go wrong with HoistCam’s cameras on cranes.