Crane Accidents

Types of Crane Accidents

The United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics provides information on crane accidents in America. Nearly fifty people die as a result of crane accidents annually. According to the Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau, almost 90% of all crane accidents result from human error. These alarming statistics show that negligence is often a primary factor to consider regarding crane injuries.

Cranes, with their massive size, weight, and ability to lift heavy loads, can easily cause significant damage in the event of an accident. This makes proper working conditions and safe operation absolutely vital. Here are the most common types of crane accidents.

1. Tip-Over Accidents. Tip-over accidents occur when a crane falls over. This is often due to improper loading, poor ground conditions, weather, and improper set-up.
2. Falling Loads. Sometimes, cranes drop the materials they’re lifting or moving. This occurs due to improper loading and securing or mechanical malfunction.
3. Collisions. Cranes can collide with other equipment, buildings, or overhead structures like power lines. This is often due to poor visibility, operator error, and negligence.
4. Mechanical Failures. Mechanical failure can lead to load drops, collisions, and more. It may be the result of faulty equipment.
5. Defective Equipment. If you experience a crane accident resulting from defective equipment, you may have grounds for a product liability case.
6. Crane Overload. When a crane is overloaded, it can strain its structural components, leading to failure. This can cause the crane to collapse, tip, or drop its load.
7. Operator Error. Operators make mistakes, and sometimes, these mistakes can be costly. Incorrect load placement, misjudging distances, or failure to follow safety protocols can all cause accidents.
8. Electrocution. Due to their size and height, cranes have an increased risk of making contact with power lines.
9. Falls. Crane workers or operators working at heights risk falling from the crane, particularly if safety harnesses or fall protection equipment aren’t properly used.
10. Environmental Hazards. Poor weather, wind, fog, low visibility, and more can all contribute to crane accidents. Soft or unstable ground conditions can also cause accidents. These elements can make it difficult for the operator to control a crane safely.
11. Set-Up Failures. Incorrect positioning, improper use of outriggers, or failure to check stability can cause a crane to become unbalanced.
12. Struck-By Cranes and Swing Accidents. A load that swings uncontrollably while being moved by the crane can strike workers or cause the crane operator to lose control.

The most common types of injuries associated with crane accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Broken Bones
• Crush Injuries
• Electrocution
• Blunt Force Trauma
• Amputations
• Lacerations
• Wrongful Death

Mobile Crane Accidents

According to the Heavy Equipment Colleges of America, mobile cranes are specific types of cranes mounted on crawlers or tires. They’re particularly popular in the construction industry and are well-liked for their ability to move quickly and work efficiently in various settings.

Mobile cranes are most frequently used to lift and move heavy materials like steel. They’re also popular in mining, forestry, and shipbuilding industries.

Common Causes of Mobile Crane Accidents

The most common causes of mobile crane accidents are unsafe operating or working conditions. The most frequently reported injuries associated with mobile cranes include “struck-by-load” injuries and transportation incidents.

Boom Truck Crane Accidents

A boom truck crane is a commercial truck with a hydraulic crane attached to its chassis. Boom trucks are designed to lift and transport materials and elevate workers to high places. The most common uses for boom truck cranes include:

• Construction
• HVAC
• Electrical Work
• Shipbuilding

Common Causes of Boom Truck Crane Accidents

Due to their increased mobility, boom truck cranes are especially prone to accidents. The most common causes of boom truck accidents include:

• Collision
• Contact with electrical lines
• Overloading
• Tipping over
• Rigging failures
• Inclement weather

Inadequate training, poor operator judgment, and failure to follow safety procedures often contribute to boom truck crane accidents.

Tower Crane Accidents

A tower crane is a large machine that lifts and moves heavy materials, often used in construction. These are the most commonly recognized types of cranes in the world. They lift steel, concrete, and other heavy equipment and tools.

Tower cranes offer large-load capacity, fast lifting operations, and a large coverage area. This makes them a popular choice for large-scale, long-term projects. Due to their size and load capacity, they can be particularly dangerous.

Common Causes of Tower Crane Accidents

There are several types of injuries often associated with tower crane accidents. These include:

• Falling loads
• Material collisions
• Crane collapse
• Tip-overs

Due to their massive size and the type of materials involved, these often lead to serious injury. Types of injury can include traumatic brain injury (TBI), paralysis, spinal cord injury, and more.

Crane Accidents: Determining Liability

Determining liability in a crane accident requires a thorough investigation into various factors, including:

• Equipment failure
• Operator error
• Worksite conditions
• Negligence from third parties
• And more

We must evaluate the roles of all parties involved in the accident. These parties may include:

• Crane operators
• Employers
• Equipment manufacturers
• Sub-contractors
• Property owners
• Maintenance providers
• And more

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. Identifying these key parties is critical for pursuing compensation. An experienced crane accident lawyer can help evaluate all contributing factors, determine who is at fault, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The crane accident law firm of Kanner & Pintaluga is here to guide you through the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.