Watching a crew install a huge curved glass wall in Chicago made me stop using the 'three-man lift' rule.

I was on a job site at a new hotel on Michigan Avenue about two years ago. They were putting in a single piece of curved laminated glass that was 12 feet tall and weighed over 800 pounds. Every shop I've worked at always said you need three guys minimum for anything over 400 pounds. This crew used a special vacuum cup rig with a powered cart and did it with two guys, moving slow and talking through every step. They said adding a third person just creates more points where something can go wrong if someone trips or pushes wrong. Since then, for big panels, I focus on having the right gear and two very good hands instead of just more bodies. Has anyone else moved away from the old 'more men equals safer' idea for big glass?

3 comments

3 Comments

joseph_torres22d ago

Man, that's wild. I always figured more guys meant a safer lift, no question. But you're right, watching a pro crew changes your mind. At my old warehouse job, we'd just throw bodies at a heavy pallet. Saw a guy get his foot crushed because too many people were trying to steer it. The right tools and a clear plan beats a crowd every time.

the_avery22d ago

My uncle worked construction for thirty years and he says most accidents happen with teams over four people. Too many voices giving orders, people assume someone else is watching their corner. A simple hand truck and two guys who know what they're doing gets it done. The warehouse method of just piling on is asking for trouble.

gracewebb12d agoProlific Poster

But what about huge stuff that just can't be moved by two people? I get what @the_avery is saying about too many cooks, but sometimes you need the manpower. The key is having one clear boss calling the shots so it's not a mess.