Which of the following is crucial for preventing overload situations in cranes?

The load moment indicator (LMI) plays a vital role in preventing overload situations in cranes. It is a device that continuously measures the load that is being lifted and the moment being applied to the crane's structure. By providing real-time feedback to the operator about the current load in relation to the crane's capacity, the LMI helps ensure that the crane does not exceed its safe operational limits.

When the load approaches the maximum capacity, the LMI can issue warnings or directly limit operations to prevent potential overload scenarios, which can lead to accidents, equipment failure, or even catastrophic collapses. Thus, the presence of a functional LMI is essential for maintaining safety during crane operations and ensuring that lifting activities are performed within safe parameters. Having operators trained, conducting safety audits, and performing daily inspections, while important, do not provide the immediate and specific feedback necessary to prevent overload conditions in real-time during lifting operations.