Cranes are a vital piece of equipment in many industries, including construction, shipping, and oil and gas. Because of its size, weight, and load-lifting capabilities, it is also an extremely dangerous machine that should only be operated by a highly-trained operator. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), almost 90 workers lose their lives each year in crane accidents. Others sustain serious injuries such as head and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken bones, loss of limbs from crushing injuries, and electrocution.
There are many different types of cranes used across a variety of industries. All present their own set of risks. Tower cranes are for use at great heights where the wind is a safety issue. Crawler cranes are affixed to a set of tracks or crawlers that allow them to move loads weighing thousands of tons. They are extremely heavy and very dangerous if they overturn in an accident. Overhead cranes travel on an overhead fixed runway structure and are a risk for electrocution accidents, overloading, and materials falling or slipping from overhead hoists. Other types of cranes used in industrial settings include aerial cranes, railroad cranes, telescopic cranes, floating cranes, all-terrain cranes, and deck cranes.
OSHA has very clear regulations for crane operation. Today’s cranes can lift more weight faster than ever before, requiring operators who are thoroughly familiar with load dynamics, lifting capacity at different configurations, and the conditions that make these capacities valid. Poorly trained crane operators will often try to rely on instinct or experience when determining if a load is too heavy.
Safety planning and preventative measures by employers are crucial to avoiding crane accidents. Cranes should never be operated near an unsafe work area and crane operators must be informed of where those areas are. OSHA outlines safe distances from power lines that must be adhered to when planning a worksite. Generally, this area should be within a 10-foot radius of a power line. Fences, insulated barriers, or other markings should clearly delineate this danger zone.
Regular maintenance is also a key part of crane safety. Cables must be replaced and all equipment related to crane operation must be regularly checked by employers to identify any hazards immediately.
Operation of the crane in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications regarding load capacity is another responsibility of the employer, as is the supervision of the assembly and disassembly of the crane. Should a defect be present in the manufacturing of any component of a crane, the company that made it could be liable for third party claims.
If you have been injured in a crane accident, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. At Gross & Kenny, LLP, we can help. Our practice focuses exclusively on helping injured workers and we will fight to obtain the maximum allowable compensation for your case. Call us today at 267-589-0090 to speak with an experienced Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyer and schedule a free consultation about your case. You can also complete our online contact form. Our office is located in Center City Philadelphia, representing workers and their families throughout Pennsylvania.