Worker Compensation Lawyer - Crane Accident Injuries

By James M. Hoffmann  Feb. 19, 2016 9:39a

Almost all construction zones use cranes for a number of functions. Apart from the fact that construction sites are hazardous work environments in general, the presence of huge cranes only adds to the danger. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in the US alone 90 crane accident-related fatalities occur per year. Out of this number 32% are due to workers being struck by a crane operating heavy loads and 27% due to electrocution while in crane.

Accidents caused by cranes

Cranes are huge, heavy, towering machines that are operated by man and liable to human error. While each type of crane has different advantages and disadvantages, all of them, if not used in a cautious manner, can cause accidents with serious and even fatal consequences.

• Electrocution – This is the most common cause of crane accidents and fatalities. When a crane comes in contact with a live power line at a height, the operator of the crane can get electrocuted.

• Accidents during assembling / dissembling – Crane manufacturers set strict rules and specifications for assembling and dissembling a crane. Negligence during these processes can cause fatal accidents. About 12% of all crane accidents can be attributed to this.

• Boom collapses – Every cranes boom (or jib) has a limit. It depends upon the operator to stick to the specifications set by the manufacturer to avoid putting heavy pressure on the mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components of the crane, causing accidents.

• Crane tip over – Overloading a crane beyond capacity can cause it to tip over due to heavy load, leading to accidents.

• Untrained operators – Cranes should be operated only by properly trained operators. Operators on the other hand should exercise caution, abide by the norms and standards set by the manufacturers in order to avoid accidents.

• Load accidents – Workers working within the vicinity of the cranes operating area can sometimes get struck by the cranes load while shifting. It is the responsibility of the employer to barricade the region where cranes operate.

• Falls – Falls from cranes are another common cause of crane related accidents. Unstable base or platform, extremely windy conditions at a height and most importantly, improper use or neglect in using the safety harness and belts provided, lack of safety belts and harnesses, etc. contribute to fall related crane accidents.

• Crane collapses – if a crane collapses due to machinery fault, or improper assembling, it can fall on the construction building, endangering the lives of the operator as well as those working on-site.

Preventing crane accidents

Accidents happen, however, exercising caution, abiding by rules and regulations set by manufacturers, proper and regular maintenance of the equipment and parts, and training operators are some of the ways crane accidents can be reduced. Certain set conditions, norms and standards have been put in place by the OSHA to prevent crane-related accidents.

However, if you are a victim of a crane related accident, or have lost a loved one due to a crane related accident, you can contact an experienced St. Louis workplace injury lawyer at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann for a free evaluation of your case. Call (314) 361-4300 today.