Why Do Crane Accidents Happen?

The Hudson Valley construction accident lawyers at The Ahearne Law Firm understand the inherent dangers associated with construction sites. Unfortunately, crane accidents are a major cause of serious injuries and fatalities for construction workers in the U.S.

This article will take a closer look at the most common causes of crane accidents to raise awareness and equip workers and employers with essential safety knowledge.

National and State Statistics on Crane Accidents

Between 2011 and 2017, there were 297 crane-related deaths in the United States, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). This translates to a concerning average of 42 fatalities per year. The number of fatal crane accident injuries in New York State within the same period was 16.

Below, you can see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’s figures on crane-related fatalities in the country from that period:

Defining the Danger: The Four Main Causes of Crane Accidents

Many different factors can contribute to crane accidents, but four causes in particular stand out:

Contact with Power Lines

Overhead power lines are a constant threat to crane operators. The high-voltage electricity they carry can cause immediate electrocution if the crane boom, hook, cables, or any other conductive part of the equipment comes into contact with the live wires. This risk is especially high when working in urban environments or near electrical substations.

Here are some of the ways construction managers can help prevent these accidents:

• Pre-planning and site assessment: Thoroughly evaluate the work area for overhead power lines before starting any crane operation.
• Power line de-energization: Whenever possible, arrange to temporarily shut off power to utility lines in close proximity to the crane's working zone.
• Ground clearance: Maintain a safe distance between the crane and overhead power lines, as specified by OSHA regulations.
• Insulated barriers: In some situations, placing insulated barriers between the crane and power lines can provide additional protection.

It’s also crucial to prioritize clear communication between the crane operator and spotters who can warn of potential hazards like approaching power lines.

Overturns

Crane overturns are a serious concern, and several factors can contribute to this type of accident.

Improperly balanced loads can cause the crane to become unstable and tip over. Crane operators must therefore be trained in safe lifting techniques and weight distribution to prevent this hazard.

Similarly, operating a crane on uneven, soft, or improperly prepared ground can lead to a loss of stability and potential overturns. A qualified professional should assess the ground in the work zone before setup to ensure that it can support the weight of the crane and the intended loads.

It should be emphasized that every crane has a specific weight limit, and overloading can lead to structural failure and overturns. Crane operators must be aware of the weight capacity of their equipment and never attempt to lift loads exceeding the specified limit.

Possible preventive measures for overturns include:

• Rigging plan and weight calculations: Develop a detailed rigging plan that accounts for the weight of the load and ensures proper load distribution before each lift.
• Site preparation: Make sure the ground is level and firm and offers sufficient surface area to support the crane and its load.
• Load charts and capacity awareness: Crane operators should be thoroughly familiar with their equipment’s capacity charts and never attempt lifts that exceed the weight limit.

Whenever practical, the work crew should consider conducting ground stability testing to determine the weight-bearing capacity of the soil before operations begin.

Falls

Falls from cranes or dropped loads pose a significant risk to workers on the ground, as well as those operating the crane.

Inadequate fall protection measures or unsafe work practices can lead to workers falling from the crane platform or boom. Alternatively, equipment malfunctions, human error, or improper load securement can cause loads to detach from the crane, potentially injuring workers below.

Regardless of the cause, falling objects and workers can result in serious injuries and even fatalities.

Here’s how construction crews can minimize the risk of falls:

• Fall protection equipment: Workers on the crane must wear proper fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lifelines.
• Regular inspections: Equipment managers should conduct routine inspections of crane components, lifting slings, and hooks to identify and address any potential hazards.
• Safe work practices: Crane operators and ground crews must follow established safety protocols for load securement, lifting procedures, and communication.
• Load securement training: Workers responsible for securing loads should receive proper training on safe practices and the appropriate use of rigging equipment.

Ideally, all of these measures will be implemented in combination to decrease the likelihood of accidents and keep workers safe.

Mechanical Failure

While less frequent than other causes, mechanical failures can also give rise to crane accidents.

Such equipment malfunctions can occur due to the following factors:

• Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance is critical for identifying and addressing potential mechanical issues before they create safety hazards.
• Improper use: Operating the crane beyond its intended capacity or in violation of safety protocols can put undue stress on the equipment and increase the risk of failure.
• Defective parts: Manufacturing defects or worn-out components can also contribute to mechanical failures, making regular inspections vital.

Strategies that can help prevent mechanical failures include:

• Scheduled maintenance: Implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for cranes to ensure that they’re in safe working order.
• Operator training: Crane operators should be educated on the proper operation and limitations of their specific equipment.
• Pre-operation inspections: Conduct thorough pre-operation inspections before each use to identify any visible damage, leaks, or malfunctions that could pose a risk.

Additionally, crane operators and crew members should receive thorough emergency training in case a mechanical failure does occur, including safe shutdown protocols and evacuation procedures.

Additional Causes of Crane Accidents

While the issues listed above are the most common contributors to crane accidents, other factors can also play a role.

These include:

Overloading

Exceeding a crane's specified weight limit can lead to boom collapse, buckling, overturns, or other catastrophic outcomes.

Improper Assembly

Incorrect assembly of crane components can compromise stability and lead to accidents. For this reason, the equipment should always be set up and inspected by licensed experts.

Inadequate Training

Low-quality or insufficient training for crane operators and signalers can make safety protocol violations more common and increase the risk of injury-causing accidents.

Irregular/Cursory Inspections

Failure to conduct regular inspections, rushing through inspections, or ignoring safety hazards identified during inspections can lead to all manner of mishaps.

Your Legal Rights After a New York Crane Accident

If you've been injured in a crane accident in New York, you may have legal recourse depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here's an overview of some of your potential options.

Workers' Compensation Benefits

If you get hurt on the job as a construction worker, you’re likely eligible for workers' compensation benefits. New York’s workers’ comp laws offer benefits to employees regardless of who was at fault in their accidents.

Construction Accident Lawsuit

In some instances, a third party (someone other than the employer) may be responsible for a crane accident. If that’s the case, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Wrongful Death Claim

If one of your loved ones tragically lost their life in a crane accident due to negligence, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Such a suit can provide payment for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.

Why Timing Matters in Crane Accident Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances can affect this timeframe. Consult a knowledgeable attorney with experience handling crane accident cases to better understand your rights and the applicable deadlines.

Tips for Staying Safe Around Cranes

It’s imperative for those in the construction industry to take concerted steps to prevent crane-related accidents.

Here are some general safety tips for construction workers and their employers:

Provide Proper Training

Crane operators and signalers must receive thorough, high-level training to understand safety protocols and work with cranes safely.

Perform Thorough Inspections Regularly

Qualified personnel should carry out routine inspections of crane equipment to identify and address potential hazards before accidents occur.

Ensure Safe Operation

Crane operators should make it a point to adhere strictly to established safety guidelines, such as avoiding overloading and maintaining a safe distance from power lines.

Emphasize Communication

Clear and frequent communication between crane operators, signalers, and other workers on the job site is essential for keeping accidents from occurring.

Use Independent Insulated Barriers

When working near power lines, consider putting independent insulated barriers in place to provide additional protection against accidental contact.

Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Schedule periodic maintenance of cranes and related equipment to minimize the risk of unexpected mechanical failures and ensure safe operation.

Choose the Right Equipment for the Job

To avoid overloading or instability, it’s critical to use the appropriate type and size of crane for the specific task at hand.

Follow OSHA’s Crane Safety Standards

Construction sites should observe established federal safety protocols for crane operation, including weight limits, ground condition assessments, and procedures for working around overhead hazards like power lines.