If ground conditions are not suitable for lifting, what should be done?

• A. Proceed with lighter loads.
• B. Halt operations and fix the ground conditions.
• C. Ignoring weather.
• D. Increase speed.

Answer: (B)

Ground conditions must be solid and capable of bearing the crane and load. If the ground is soft, uneven, waterlogged, or otherwise unstable, the crane can shift, sink, or tip when the outriggers are put down. The safe action is to stop work and fix the ground conditions before lifting. This might mean leveling or compacting the surface, adding mats or cribbing to distribute the load, or relocating the lift to firmer ground. Once the ground is verified to meet the crane’s support requirements, lifting can resume. Ignoring weather, taking on lighter loads without fixing the ground, or increasing speed do not address the fundamental risk and should not be done.