What is a common hazard that mobile crane operators face?

Power line contact is a significant hazard that mobile crane operators encounter on the job. Cranes operate at various heights and can easily come into contact with overhead power lines, which poses a serious risk of electrocution or power outages. This hazard is exacerbated when operators are working in urban environments or on construction sites where power lines are prevalent.

In addition to the risk of physical injury to the operator and nearby workers, contact with power lines can also lead to damage to the crane and disruption of power services. Awareness of this hazard is crucial, and operators must take preventive measures, such as maintaining a safe distance from power lines and using spotters or observing utility company guidelines.

The other options, while they may represent hazards in different contexts, do not carry the same level of immediacy or potential for severe consequences as power line contact. Obstruction from other vehicles might cause logistical challenges but is less directly life-threatening. Scattered debris can lead to tripping hazards or equipment damage but is generally more manageable. Routine inspections are critical for safety but are part of normal operational procedures rather than a hazard encountered during operation.