Before swinging the load, the operator should:

• A. Sound the horn
• B. Verify the load is attached securely
• C. Increase hoist speed
• D. Stand clear of the load path

Answer: (A)

Clear communication and warning are essential when moving a load. Before swinging the load, sounding the horn provides an immediate, unmistakable alert to everyone in the surrounding area that a movement is about to occur and the load may swing. This gives workers time to step away from the load path and avoid being struck or caught by the moving load. While other safety steps like confirming the load is securely rigged are important, the most direct and effective precaution for preventing injuries just as movement begins is to emit a clear audible warning. Increasing hoist speed is unsafe, and simply standing clear of the load path is a good practice but doesn’t actively warn others of the imminent swing.