Operating a crane on unstable ground is a risk no crew wants to take. Not only can it damage your equipment and delay your project, but it also puts your team’s safety on the line—and can land you in violation of OSHA standards.
That’s where crane mats come in. These heavy-duty hardwood platforms aren’t just handy—they’re essential tools that help you stay safe and compliant on every job site.
What OSHA Says About Ground Support
According to OSHA’s Mobile Crane Inspection Guidelines, most cranes are rated for ideal working conditions—specifically, a firm, level surface. If your site doesn’t provide that naturally, it’s your responsibility to correct it. OSHA advises using mats or blocking in areas with soft or uneven ground to help distribute the crane’s load and maintain stability.
Failing to do this can lead to citations, shutdowns, or worse—accidents due to tipping or ground failure.
Why Crane Mats Make a Difference
Crane mats are designed to absorb and distribute weight across a larger surface area, especially under outriggers. This is critical on soft, wet, or shifting terrain where heavy machinery could otherwise sink or shift unexpectedly. By placing crane mats beneath your equipment, you’re essentially building a reliable foundation that protects both the machinery and the ground beneath it.
Crane mats also help maintain a level setup, which is necessary for cranes to operate safely and accurately—especially when lifting heavy loads at height or with extended booms.
Safer Job Sites Start at Ground Level
Safety starts long before the first lift. Using crane mats is one of the simplest, most effective ways to meet OSHA’s ground support expectations while protecting your equipment, team, and timeline. Plus, they’re reusable, easy to set up, and versatile enough for many different site conditions.
Whether working on a soft job site, near water, or on a slope, crane mats can help you operate safely and comply with OSHA’s guidelines. At Ritter Forest Products we offer a wide range of new and used hardwood crane mats for rent or purchase, built tough for any terrain. We can also help you choose the right mats for your site and walk you through additional options like timbers and skids for pipeline construction.
Visit us online to explore our mat rentals today and get the support you need for your next lift!
