Category: Article

2025 offers a fresh start—a time to reflect, reset, and renew commitments to the principles that guide us. For Altec equipment users, this is an ideal moment to reaffirm the importance of and commitment to safety. With the inherent risks of the industry, a comprehensive and renewed focus on safety not only ensures the well-being of employees but also supports reliable service for customers. Below, see tips from Altec Sentry that you can leverage the New Year to strengthen your organization’s safety culture.

Unified Commitment: From Leadership to Operators

Safety must be a universal priority, embraced at every level of the organization. Leadership sets the tone by modeling a commitment to safety, demonstrating that it is a core value rather than a mere checkbox. When executives and managers prioritize safety in their communications, decisions, and actions, it fosters a culture where employees feel empowered to do the same.

Operators play a critical role in daily safety practices. Encouraging operators to participate in safety discussions and initiatives builds a sense of shared responsibility. This collaborative approach ensures that safety becomes ingrained in every task, from routine operations to complex projects.

Refreshing Equipment Safety Practices

The start of a new year is an excellent time to revisit and refresh essential safety protocols—particularly those involving equipment safety. Bucket trucks, digger derricks, and cranes are vital to the industry but also present significant risks if not operated safely. Operators should be encouraged to adopt a renewed mindset toward:

• Inspections: Regular pre-trip and pre-operation inspections can identify potential hazards before they escalate.
• Defensive Driving: Operators should focus on situational awareness, adherence to traffic laws, and anticipation of potential risks.
• Proper Set Up: Ensuring that all equipment is properly set up at the jobsite contributes towards safe operation.
• Safe Lifting Practices: Conduct inspections of your unit’s winch rope and rigging components as they are often overlooked. Consult load charts and plan your lifts!

Providing targeted training sessions or workshops on these topics can help operators sharpen their skills and maintain a proactive approach to safety.

Open Door Policy for Questions and Concerns

A culture of safety thrives when employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns and seeking clarity. Establishing and reinforcing an open-door policy allows operators to bring forward questions, report near-misses, and suggest improvements without fear of retribution. This transparency not only builds trust but also enables organizations to identify and address potential risks before they result in incidents.

Moving Forward Together

As the calendar turns, organizations have an opportunity to set the tone for a safer, more collaborative year. By uniting leadership and operators under a shared commitment to safety, refreshing critical practices, and fostering open communication, the industry can continue to protect its most valuable asset—its people. Let 2025 start with a powerful reminder that safety is not just a priority but a fundamental value that drives every decision and action.

About Altec Sentry

Keeping crews safe on the job is important to us. For nearly 20 years, Altec Sentry has helped employers train and certify Altec equipment operators on safe and proper operation. We are committed to your safety and believe that industry-leading equipment deserves industry-leading training—that’s exactly what Altec Sentry provides. For more information on virtual and in-person safety training through Altec Sentry, visit altec.com/safety.

Winter presents unique challenges for aerial unit, digger derrick, and crane operators. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow require specific precautions to ensure safety on the job and to protect equipment from cold-related damage. Here’s a guide to keep operators safe and operations running smoothly in cold weather.

Recognize Symptoms of Cold-Related Health Risks

Working in extreme cold can be dangerous for your health. Hypothermia and frostbite are serious risks, especially for operators exposed to the elements. Watch for these symptoms:

• Redness of skin
• Pain, swelling, and numbness
• Tingling or loss of feeling in extremities

If you or a coworker experience any of these signs, it’s essential to take a break and warm up.

Dress Appropriately for Cold Weather

Proper clothing is essential for maintaining body warmth and preventing cold-related injuries:

• Layer Clothing: Wear several layers, and adjust as needed to prevent overheating and sweating, which can lead to rapid cooling.
• Cover Your Head and Ears: These areas are particularly vulnerable to frostbite.
• Keep Your Extremities Warm: Wear heavy socks, gloves, and use hand and foot warmers. Ensure gloves still allow for safe operation of equipment controls.

Consider How Clothing Affects Equipment Operation

Heavy clothing and gloves can limit dexterity and impair hearing:

• Hearing: If your ears are covered, ensure you can still hear important sounds from your equipment, coworkers, and surroundings.
• Gloves: While thick gloves are essential, test how they affect your grip and ability to handle equipment controls safely.

Use Work/Rest Cycles

Rotating between work and rest periods helps manage exposure to cold temperatures. Regular breaks in a warm area can help prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

Protect Fuel and Engine Components

• Avoid Fuel Freeze: Water in the fuel tank can freeze, which may disrupt operations. Use fuel treatment to prevent gelling.
• Plug in Block/Engine Heaters: This keeps the engine warm, ensuring easier starts on cold mornings.
• Warm Hydraulic Fluid: Cold hydraulic fluid can thicken, affecting operation. Follow the hydraulic fluid warming procedure in the operator or maintenance manual.

Ensure Heating and Defrosting Systems Are Working

Make sure all heaters and defrosters are operational before the cold season begins. These systems are crucial for visibility and operator comfort.

Adjust Crane Capacity in Freezing Conditions

For Altec cranes, apply the following adjustments:

• 10°F to -20°F: De-rate capacity by 15%
• -20°F to -40°F: De-rate capacity by 40%
• Below -40°F: Do not operate the crane, as extreme cold can compromise safety and equipment integrity.

Inspect the Ground Surface

• Avoid Slippery Surfaces for Outriggers: Ice or slick surfaces under outriggers can cause instability. Ensure a secure footing for stability.
• Frozen Tires or Tracks: Tires or tracks can freeze to the ground, causing potential damage. Check equipment for any frozen sections before operation.

Clear Ice and Snow from Equipment

Snow and ice buildup can add significant weight to equipment, which may affect structural stability. Clear all ice and snow from equipment to prevent any additional load.

Maintain Clear Visibility

• Windshield and Cab Windows: Ensure all windows are clear of frost and fog. Use windshield wiper fluid rated for cold temperatures.
• Defrost Thoroughly: Don’t begin driving until you have full visibility from all angles.

Tire Pressure and Road Safety

• Check Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can lower tire pressure, so verify and adjust as needed.
• Drive Safely: Ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, and ramps, so drive cautiously on the way to the job site.

By being mindful of these cold-weather safety measures, aerial unit, digger derrick, and crane operators can maintain a safer work environment, reduce the risk of equipment damage, and safeguard their health in challenging winter conditions.