Crane accidents cause countless injuries and deaths each year in Massachusetts.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that about 44 people are killed and 175 are injured in crane accidents each year in the United States. The National Institute of Occupational Safety issued an alert on the need to reduce the rate of injuries and deaths associated with crane accidents.
These figures demonstrate how hazardous a crane mishap may be for employees.
Cranes, which are used to raise huge items and weights, are extremely dangerous to individuals who operate on or near them. When accidents happen, injuries are frequently severe, and fatalities are a high possibility.
Cranes are commonly employed on huge construction projects to lift heavy materials and aid in the construction of large structures. Serious accidents can occur when cranes and other big gear on construction sites are not properly operated or maintained.
Crane accident liability (fault)
Following a crane accident, several different parties may be held responsible. This does not just apply to the crane’s operator or rigger; it may also include the construction firm and, in some cases, the owner of the property.
Following a crane accident, the crane operator or crane signal person for the riggers may face fines for not adequately teaching them, as well as additional litigation and penalties related to the occurrence.
Crane accident prevention and regulations
There are several safeguards that crane operators and manufacturers should take to make crane usage much safer. These safeguards include comprehensive and up-to-date crane operator training, supervision of crane operators and others, and regular crane inspections.
Certification is a generalized safety test and does not cover the necessary information to ensure safe operation for all cranes. This causes a high number to operate cranes without necessary knowledge or skill, leading to a high number of accidents.
Crane operators should also make sure the crane isn’t lifting weights that are too heavy for it, that the load is correctly connected to the crane, and that the crane is up-to-date on its regular maintenance.
Common causes of crane accidents
Accidents involving cranes can occur for a variety of reasons, although some are more prevalent than others. The following events are the most likely to result in major crane accidents due to overturns, falls, mechanical failures, or other causes:
- Human mistake. Human error or a lack of experience and training are the most prevalent causes of crane accidents.
- Exceeding capacity. Attempting to raise an object beyond the crane’s capacity is another major cause of crane accidents. This can cause the crane to become unsettled and tip over or unstable and lose its grounding.
- Rotating the crane boom. A crane accident might occur if the outriggers are not fully extended on the crane. Crane accidents frequently occur when the crane operator tries to swing the boom without completely extending it, leading it to become unstable.
- Electrocutions. Electric injuries are another major crane accident hazard. Crane electrocutions are more common while using a mobile crane. Many mobile cranes must be linked to a power source to function. Many mobile cranes are hazardous, and attempting to connect an electrical power supply to the crane can electrocute a construction worker.
- Struck by. When a construction worker or onlooker is struck by an object being carried by a crane, numerous accidents occur. This category also includes when the crane’s items fall from their connections, injuring or killing persons below (for example, a crane component or a hoisted weight that is not under control).
Recovering compensation after a Boston crane accident
If you or a loved one was injured in a crane accident, you may be dealing with mounting medical bills, long-term economic loss, or the emotional aftermath of a terrible death. It is critical to contact a personal injury attorney near you who has extensive expertise in workplace accident cases as soon as possible.
One of the benefits of meeting with an attorney is that they can consult with specialists to determine what caused a crane accident and who should be held responsible (liable) for the injuries and losses that resulted.
Many crane accident victims require help paying for medical care and other expenditures, especially if their injuries rendered them unable to work. When a crane accident results in a tragic death, the deceased worker’s family members often need help filing a wrongful death claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crane accident, you may be entitled to cash compensation for your injuries. Speaking with a crane accident lawyer can assure that your legal rights are explained to you and that you receive the medical attention you require in a timely and cost-effective way.
Attorney Joseph Markey of The Bellotti Law Group in Boston is an experienced legal professional focusing his practice on complex criminal law, construction accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and divorce law. He also has significant experience representing clients when it pertains to municipal government matters. Attorney Markey recognizes the stress and costs litigation can impose on individuals and strives to keep the end goal in mind. Attorney Markey always implements strategies to seek the most successful outcome possible for his clients.