What action must be taken if a load exceeds the crane's lifting capacity?

When a load exceeds the crane's lifting capacity, the most appropriate action to ensure safety and compliance with operational standards is to reduce the load weight. This action directly addresses the issue of exceeding the crane's safe working limits. Cranes are designed with specific load capacities to prevent structural failure and accidents during lifting operations. By reducing the load weight, it ensures that operations can be performed within the safe limits established for the specific crane model, which helps to prevent dangerous situations such as tipping or collapse.

Other options may involve important considerations, but they do not address the immediate need to adjust the load to fit within safety guidelines. Verifying the load chart provides essential information about capacity but does not rectify an overload situation. Using a stronger crane could potentially allow for a heavier load, but it also involves logistical challenges and may not be practical or available on-site. Consulting a supervisor is important for ensuring proper procedures are followed, but it does not immediately resolve the issue of an excessive load. Reducing the load weight is the most direct and effective solution in this scenario.