In high winds, cranes look scary to people who don't work around construction sites. No doubt you've had to deal with a few calls from concerned citizens about a crane spinning around or swaying, but now, when people can post on social media and drum up a worried frenzy, it can be doubly frustrating. Please don't dismiss these concerns without an explanation as many people will now take that as a sign that something is wrong and that you're hiding something. Instead, you can explain why the crane is doing what it's doing so that people know when not to worry.
Some Spinning Helps Keep The Crane Upright
Let them know that in windy conditions, a crane that spins is doing what it should. This is weathervaning, when the crane is allowed to turn with the wind to help dissipate the force of the wind against the tower of the crane. If the crane were locked in one position, there would be a larger surface area of the crane exposed to winds pushing against it. That could contribute to stronger winds knocking the crane down. With weathervaning, winds push the top of the crane so that there is less surface area exposed and winds can rush past. That helps keep the crane upright.
Cranes Can't Operate When Winds Are Above A Certain Speed
Cranes can't operate when winds become too strong. The exact wind speed at which the crane has to stop varies depending on the loads (sometimes the crane can keep operating if crews avoid lifting certain types of objects). But concerned callers can be reassured that in strong winds, the crane shouldn't be lifting anything. Of course, if callers say it is, you'd better go and check.
Cranes Are Bolted To The Ground
People may be used to seeing smaller cranes on vehicles that can move easily, so remind them that larger cranes (the type you see with skyscrapers) are usually bolted to the ground. While this doesn't make them impossible to tip over, it does stabilise them and prevents them from falling in most windy conditions.
Having to deal with people concerned about cranes moving in the wind can be frustrating at times, but remember that most are concerned out of goodness and wanting to keep people safe. Give your employees a short speech they can memorise and use whenever someone asks. You might also post something onsite for people passing by.
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