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Mobile cranes are the backbone of the U.S. construction industry. MacCollum, a recognized authority on crane hazards, has estimated that cranes are involved in 25 to 33% of fatal injuries in construction and maintenance (MacCollum 1993). The type and number of injuries related to cranes are difficult to quantify, because reported statistics on work-related injuries usually group cranes in larger categories such as “industrial vehicles and equipment” or “equipment and machinery.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the category “industrial vehicles and equipment” accounts for 17% of fatal injuries in U.S. construction (Bureau of Labor Statistics 1993). But the proportion of injuries actually involving construction vehicles and equipment is probably greater.
A study of OSHA reports by Hinze and Bren (1996) found that cranes were reported to be involved in 108 (38%) of 284 fatal electrical injuries in the construction industry that involved heavy equipment. (OSHA is the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.) The proportion of accidents involving cranes that result in a death or serious injury is unknown. A study in Finland showed that about 12% of accidents involving cranes result in death or permanent disability (Hakkinen 1978).
MacCollum (1980) lists 13 common failure modes of cranes:
- Overloading
- Side pull
- Outrigger failure
- Hoist limitations
- Two-blocking
- Killer hooks [without a throat latch]
- Boom buckling
- Upset/Overturn
- Unintentional turntable turning
- Oversteer/crabbing
- Control confusion
- Access/egress
- Power-line contact
In addition, serious injuries involving cranes can occur as a result of:
- Improper assembly or dismantling
- Rigging failure and fall of load or lifting tackle
- Being struck by a moving load
- Accidents related to manlifts
- Working or standing within the swing radius of a cab or counterweight.
In the immediate aftermath of a serious accident or injury, hiring a lawyer may be the last thing on your mind. If you are reading this however, you probably recognize that a personal injury lawyer may be to assist you in filling out important paperwork, investigating your claim, locating possible defendants, securing valuable evidence, and, obtaining just compensation for your injuries through settlement or court proceedings.
If you would like your case to be reviewed by an experienced personal injury lawyer, please fill out the form below. A lawyer will review your "crane accidents" form and may contact you to further discuss your legal options.
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