How Crane Accidents Endanger Workers on Construction Sites
Construction cranes are a vital part of any construction site that allow workers to lift loads that are impossible to move by hand. From moving heavy materials to equipment on the job site, cranes get routine work all day long. However, cranes can create serious hazards when it comes to operating, maintaining, and even just working near them. Crane accidents only take seconds to happen and can affect multiple workers.
Causes of Crane Accidents
There are many different reasons that crane accidents can happen at construction sites. Poor planning and inadequate worker training can increase the risk of an accident. Not following proper safety protocols and mechanical failures are some of the most common causes of crane accidents. Another is overloading.
Every crane is designed to handle a specific load capacity. If the crane operator attempts to lift a load that exceeds the crane’s capacity, it can place excessive stress on the equipment. This can increase the risk of it flipping over or even structural failure. Not operating the crane on stable ground or having inadequate support can also increase the risk of a major problem.
Another common contributor to crane accidents is a lack of communication. Crane operators heavily depend on signals from the workers around them when they’re positioning their load. Poor visibility, unreliable communication networks, and confusing hand signals can all cause the operator to unexpectedly move the load.
Falling Materials and Loads
One of the biggest dangers that come along with using a crane on a construction site is the risk of falling objects. Cranes can easily lift materials several stories above the ground. This places all the workers on the ground at significant risk. If the load happens to shift during movement or becomes detached, it can fall down on workers without warning.
Anytime workers are struck by falling objects, it can cause severe injury. Even relatively small objects can cause serious harm when they’re falling from a significant height. This can result in broken bones, crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fatal injuries. Training workers on proper rigging techniques is imperative to help minimize the risk of falling loads. It’s important for workers to always inspect lifting equipment and secure the materials correctly to enhance everybody’s safety.
Tip-Overs
One of the most devastating crane accidents is when a tip-over occurs. Large cranes can weigh several tons, and when they collapse, they can affect a large area across the construction site. Workers operating the crane and those within the falling radius have very little opportunity to escape.
There are several different factors that can contribute to an increased risk of a tip-over. These include unstable ground, excessive loads, high winds, improper positioning, and incorrect crane configuration. All of these will affect the stability of the crane on the ground. It’s important for both operators and supervisors to consider all of these factors before they begin any lifting operations.
Taking time to properly plan the positioning of the crane will significantly reduce the risk of a tip-over. Crews always need to evaluate the ground conditions, follow the manufacturer’s requirements, and determine the appropriate load capacity limits. It’s also imperative to be mindful of any changes in conditions throughout the project so that proper alterations can be made.
Crane Electrical Hazards
Another major hazard for crane operators is electrical lines. Cranes or their suspended loads can come into contact with overhead power lines when the crane is located too close to electrical sources. Electricity can easily travel through the crane and injure the workers who are touching the equipment or even standing nearby it.
Electrical contact can create electrocution, severe burns, falls, and even death. Furthermore, workers also face an additional challenge in attempting to get out of a crane that is energized. It’s important for construction companies to take the time to identify overhead electrical lines before they even begin their work. They need to establish appropriate safety procedures, and all employees should be properly trained on how to exit an energized crane.
Mechanical Failures
Just like any other piece of construction equipment, crane components can experience wear and tear over time. Brakes, hooks, cables, hydraulic systems, and other components all need to function properly for optimal safety. Even a failure in just one of these components can cause a total load failure or make it difficult to control the crane.
Workers must report any malfunctioning or damaged equipment instead of continuing to use it. Any crane that shows signs of mechanical problems needs to receive appropriate attention before it’s returned to service. Using an improperly functioning crane severely increases everyone’s risk of an injury.
Crane Accidents Can Affect Many
When you think about crane accidents on a construction site, they have such a wide impact on the number of people they can harm. This goes well beyond just the workers operating the crane. Signal persons, riggers, laborers, electricians, supervisors, and other construction workers can all face serious risks when working around a crane. Workers on nearby structures or even elevated platforms also face additional risks.
Common Injuries
Crane accidents can cause several different injuries depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. In some cases, workers may suffer minor injuries, while in others, they can experience permanent disabilities or even fatalities.
Some common crane-related injuries include crush injuries, broken bones, burns, lacerations, head injuries, amputations, and spinal cord injuries. Workers can experience hearing damage and even trauma as a result of the accident. It’s imperative for any workers involved in a crane accident to receive a thorough medical evaluation. You should also speak with an experienced work injury lawyer like the attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan if you suffer injuries from a crane accident.
Preventing Crane Accidents
While there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of a crane accident, there are several things that employers, operators, supervisors, and workers can do to greatly reduce the risk of them happening. Training is one of the most imperative parts of safe crane operation. Workers should understand how the equipment works and the various hazards associated with its lifting operations.
Employers should always have clear procedures for crane inspections and maintenance. Workers should know how to identify problems like damaged components and report them accurately. Having clear communication is critical to any part of safe crane operation.
Published with permission from Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan Law Firm – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
