What personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required for crane operation?

• A. Only gloves
• B. Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, gloves, safety shoes with toe protection, and, where required, fall protection or hearing protection
• C. No PPE required
• D. Sunglasses and sandals

Answer: (B)

Protecting workers around crane operations relies on a set of PPE that addresses the common hazards of heavy equipment: head injuries from falling or flying objects, eye injuries from debris, visibility for signaling and being seen, hand protection from pinch points and sharp edges, and foot protection from heavy objects that might land on the feet. The typical minimum includes a hard hat to shield the head, safety glasses to protect the eyes, high-visibility clothing so crane signals and presence are easily seen, gloves to guard hands, and safety shoes with toe protection to prevent crush injuries. If there’s a risk of falling while working at height or near edges, fall protection is needed; if noise levels are high, hearing protection is required. This combination covers the main hazards you’ll encounter around cranes.

Having only gloves leaves critical areas unprotected, and saying no PPE is required is unsafe. Sunglasses and sandals do not provide adequate protection for eyes, feet, or head, and would be inappropriate around crane operations.