Recent Statistics Show Decline in Crane Accidents
July 30, 2019
Cranes can lift, lower, and move large, heavy objects that no other piece of equipment is able to do. They play a crucial role in the construction industry. However, if a crane collapses or tips over, the crane operator and the workers who are in the vicinity of the accident will likely suffer devastating injuries. Depending on the nature of the accident and the size of the crane, these accidents can cause multiple fatalities. Fortunately, according to recent reports, the number of crane accidents in the United States has gone down, as have the number of injuries and fatalities.
The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) found that there was an average of 42 crane-related deaths each year from 2011 to 2017. Of the 297 total deaths during this period, 293 of the victims were men; 72 percent were white, non-Hispanic workers, and 15 percent were Hispanic and Latino workers. In 2017, the number of crane-related fatalities fell to only 33, which is the lowest number since safety officials began tracking this information.
Causes of Crane-Related Fatalities
Statistics show that just over half of all fatal crane injuries were caused by a worker being struck by an object or piece of equipment. In these accidents, 79 of these workers were struck by an object that either fell from a crane or was put in motion by a crane. The remaining 14 percent of fatalities were caused by transportation incidents and falls to lower levels. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the following are the main causes of fatal injuries at construction sites, all of which can involve cranes:
- Falls
- Electrocutions
- Struck-By Objects
- Caught-In/Between
CFOI reported that in 22 percent of cases, the worker was operating a crane when they suffered fatal injuries. In 23 percent of cases, workers were performing construction, assembly, and dismantling tasks. Roughly 25 percent of all fatal crane-related injuries happened at the construction site, except for road construction. The remainder of the fatal accidents occurred at factories, road construction sites, and dockyards.
Tips to Prevent Crane Accidents
Employers and workers are urged to keep the following safety tips in mind when operating or working in the vicinity of a large crane:
- Provide crane-related training and education programs
- Identify potential safety hazards at each job, including power lines or underground pipes
- Ensure that cranes are properly maintained and that any necessary repairs are made
- Assign an individual who has been trained in the appropriate signaling method for each crane
- Make sure that qualified supervisors are on site to monitor crane operations
Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Obtain Compensation for Victims of Crane Accidents
If you were seriously injured in a crane accident, you are urged to contact the highly skilled Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will walk you through the claims process and ensure that you receive the full financial benefits that you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
