Workers’ Compensation for Crane Accident Injuries

Crane accidents often involve extensive property damage and severe injuries and death.

Crane accidents occur at construction sites and large manufacturing units. What are the legal rights of the workers injured in a crane accident?

Types of Workers at Risk

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following workers are most likely to be involved in a crane accident:

• construction workers and lift workers
• iron workers
• tower and crane operators
• mechanics
• sheet metal workers
• welders, solderers, braziers, and cutters
• truck drivers
• electrical workers

Common Types of Crane Accidents

• the crane coming in contact with power lines
• dropped loads
• rigging failures
• counter weight crushing accident
• overturned crane
• outrigger use
• under the hook lifting device
• falls

Causes of Crane Accidents

Human error is responsible for 90 percent of crane accidents. The most common incidents that cause crane accidents are:

• broken cables, stabilizers, or rigging
• overloading or exceeding the crane’s weight loading capacity
• shifted boom or crane load
• operating a crane on icy, unstable, or uneven surfaces
• executing the lift or swinging the boom without fully extending the outriggers

OSHA Regulations

In order to reduce injuries and fatalities related to crane operations in construction, maritime, and general industry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has outlined a safety program. To improve compliance with this safety program, OSHA conducts compliance inspections, consultations, training, and outreach programs. OSHA has also formed alliances and partnerships to help improve crane safety at workplaces. OSHA has established the following guidelines to prevent crane accidents:

• Prior to operation, the crane must be inspected by a certified crane inspector to identify mechanical problems. This should be followed by comprehensive regular inspections to identify and address problems such as wear and tear, cracks, and other damages.
• Modifications or repairs should be performed only by a certified crane professional.
• The crane should be placed on a flat and stable ground at least 10 feet away from electrical lines.
• Ensure that all safety devices are functional.
• Install barriers around the site to prevent unauthorized people from coming close to the crane.
• Use appropriate fall protection.
• Have a qualified signal person to help maneuver the crane.
• Ensure that loads are properly set with the use of a qualified rigger.

Workplace Injury and Accident Causes