Top 5 Reasons When Crane Operators Suffer Injuries

Working on a construction site or in other job environments that require the use of cranes can be a dangerous job for everyone involved. It is estimated that over 200 workers were injured or killed due to incidents involving cranes in the last year and the number continues to increase.

Cranes are often an integral part of a construction job site as they are needed to move heavy materials and to add in constructing high buildings. It is not just the crane operator that is at risk for injury. Everyone involved in the work site activity needs special training and consistent alertness in order to avoid tragedy.

There are five specific reasons most crane-related construction accidents occur including:

Equipment Collapse

Cranes often work on unlevel surfaces and are at great risk for collapsing during operating, trapping drivers and injuring bystanders. Crane collapses are the most common reason for injuries and fatalities on a construction site.

Electrocution

Crane operators who must work around electrical wires while performing their job tasks are prone to making contact with the wires and ultimately suffering from electrocution and serious burns.

Pedestrian Accidents

Crane operators are seated high off the ground and typically can not see the pedestrians on foot below during their work. Those construction workers on the ground not paying attention are prone to getting hit or run over by the crane.

Loading/Unloading Accidents

Loading and unloading a crane bucket can be dangerous to those standing close by or to the crane operator. Unstable loads can fall from the bucket causing injury or workers can get trapped when debris is being unloaded from the bucket.

Improper Training

While many of the common crane accidents can be caused by dysfunctional equipment or unlevel work areas, many crane incidents being reported were caused by human error and improper training. Crane operators need to be trained in proper operation by employers as well as maintain proper licensing and certification as dictated by each state law and OSHA regulation.

If you have been injured in a crane-related construction accident, it is important you protect your rights for a worker's compensation claim. Contact our offices for a consultation of your case by calling toll free at (877) 288-9191 or using our contact form available online.

Lever & Stolzenberg, LLP is located in White Plains, New York and serves clients throughout the state, including New York City's five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island) as well as Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. 

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