Which safety measure must be taken when loading or unloading with cranes on windy days?

When operating cranes in windy conditions, setting ground chocks is an essential safety measure to prevent the crane from moving unexpectedly. Ground chocks are used to stabilize equipment and loads, ensuring that they remain in a fixed position during loading or unloading operations. This is crucial as wind can cause loads to sway or shift, which increases the risk of accidents, including load drops or equipment failure.

The importance of using ground chocks in windy conditions cannot be understated, as they provide physical resistance against unintentional movement that wind may cause. By ensuring that the crane and load are securely stabilized, operators can significantly reduce the chances of incidents that could arise due to gusts or shifts in wind direction.

In contrast, other options such as increasing load weight, securing the load more tightly, or reducing overall lift speed do not address the core issue of stability against wind forces in the same effective manner. While tightening a load or adjusting lift speed may have some benefits, they do not prevent the crane itself from shifting or toppling in response to the wind. Thus, utilizing ground chocks is the most effective method to enhance safety during crane operations on windy days.