Construction Accidents and Cranes: Statistics and Causes
Construction sites can be dangerous. The use of heavy machinery can contribute to construction accidents. Cranes are one piece of equipment that is associated with serious injuries on construction sites.
From 2011 to 2015, there were 220 fatal crane-related deaths reported in the United States, according to data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure does include the many non-fatal crane accident injuries that also take place at construction sites.
If you were injured on the job in a crane accident and reside in the Oklahoma City, OK, area, the attorneys at Tawwater Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Crane Accident Statistics
Between 2011 and 2015, an average of 44 crane-related deaths took place per year in the United States (nearly one per week).
More than half of these fatal injuries involved a worker being struck by equipment or an object.
Overall, 42 percent of fatal crane-related injuries took place in the private construction industry, and the manufacturing industry accounted for almost a quarter (24 percent) of crane-related deaths.
Causes of Crane Accidents
Crane accidents are one of the leading causes of construction worker fatalities. Typically, these accidents result from the following causes:
- Mechanical Failure: In order for cranes to work as intended, they must be regularly maintained. Otherwise they may be subject to mechanical failure. Components should be routinely oiled and repairs should be made in prompt fashion.
- Lack of Training: Crane workers are required to undergo training and complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) courses. The employer should also make sure that workers are alerted to the dangers of operating and working near cranes.
- Collapsing: Cranes have weight limits to ensure they do not tip over. If those limits are ignored, the crane can collapse and cause a serious or deadly injury to anyone underneath or on the crane.
- Improper Assembly: Booms often collapse on account of the crane being assembled improperly. If it does not have the supports needed to remain stable while carrying, the load can shift and cause a collapse.
- Inspections: Sometimes, project managers or employers are in a rush to complete internal crane inspections and wind up doing a poor job. Failure to thoroughly inspect can result in serious and deadly accidents.
- Contact with Electrical Lines: Overhead power lines pose a hazard for crane operators. It is imperative that electrical lines be shut off before any work near a live wire begins.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
From spinal cord injuries and loss of limb to paralysis and death, construction accident injuries can lead to life-changing and catastrophic injuries. If you suffered an injury in a crane-related accident at a construction site, contact Tawwater Law Firm.
Our team of construction accident attorneys will review the facts of your case. To schedule a case review, contact us online or call (405) 607-1400 today.