What is a critical aspect of crane safety when operating near pedestrian areas?

Using barriers to secure the area is a critical aspect of crane safety when operating near pedestrian areas. Barriers serve as physical obstacles that help prevent unauthorized access to potentially hazardous zones around the crane's operational area. By clearly defining the safe perimeter, barriers protect pedestrians from unexpected movements or falling objects that can occur during lifting operations.

Additionally, barriers ensure that operators can carry out their tasks without distractions or interference from people moving through the area. While informing pedestrians about the lifts and using caution can be helpful, these measures do not offer the same level of protection as physical barriers, which are designed to limit access and enhance safety.

In contrast to this approach, ignoring pedestrian traffic can lead to accidents, and increasing the lifting speed to minimize risks creates an environment where safety protocols are compromised, potentially resulting in injuries. Therefore, the implementation of barriers is essential for ensuring safety around cranes in areas where pedestrians are present.