Safety Spotlight
By Kris Koberg
Matching Solutions
Safe crane operations depend on choosing the right ground protection
On most crane jobs, ground conditions are evaluated early, but site access is often addressed later once equipment is already mobilized. That sequence can create problems. If stable access routes, work areas and laydown zones are not properly established, site conditions may not provide the consistency or support required for equipment to perform as intended.
Site access is fundamental in crane operations, supported by industry standards that call for adequate ground conditions and supporting materials to safely support equipment. The challenge is not recognizing the need, it’ s determining how to match the right solution to the equipment, the ground conditions and how the site will be used.
Site Access
The terms ground protection and site access are often used interchangeably when it comes to mats, but they serve different purposes:
• Ground protection mats are typically used to minimize surface damage when working in established residential and commercial sites. They are usually smaller, lighter and deployed by hand.
• Site access mats are used to create a stable temporary roadway and / or
By understanding and evaluating the equipment and the ground, crane operators can effectively choose the most effective and safest combination of outrigger pads, cribbing blocks and mats.
working surface for equipment operating at an active construction site.
• Access mats are typically larger, heavier, more structural and due to their size and weight, must be deployed using equipment.
In crane applications, site access is generally the priority. Equipment must be able to move across the jobsite, reach its working position and operate from a surface that is firm, drained, graded and level. Those conditions are not always present naturally and often must be created.
12
June 2026 • www. cranehotline. com