Warning: a gust in Chicago last month nearly took my load for a ride

I was on a tower crane downtown, lifting a steel beam about 40 feet long. The wind had been steady but okay, then out of nowhere a big gust hit from between two buildings. The load started to swing and spin hard, maybe a 15 foot arc. I had to let it swing out and just hold it steady against the push, couldn't fight it. My spotter on the radio was yelling numbers at me the whole time. We got it down safe, but my hands were shaking after. How do you guys judge when wind is too much for a long, light load like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

paulw536d ago

What's the big deal with a little wind?

cooper.drew5d ago

Used to think that too until a tree crushed my car.

-2

emmam895d ago

My rule of thumb is if my coffee cup starts sliding across the cab, it's time to call it. That thing was a $20 lesson.