Cranes are industrial tools that are commonly used at industrial sites to lift and move heavy objects. While a crane can be a very valuable tool, it also comes with certain dangers and risks that can cause serious injury or death to its operator or those who are in the vicinity of the crane while in use.
Statistics Regarding Occupational Injuries Involving Cranes
During a recent 5-year study, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 220 total crane-related deaths. This is an average of 44 deaths per year. It was shown that men accounted for 217 of the 220 fatal injuries involving cranes. Since the study was initiated in 2011, the total number of crane accidents on average has risen.
Another recent study that looked into the total number of crane accidents during a 7-year span between 2011-2017 found that Texas leads the nation in crane accidents with a total of 50 accidents. To put this number into perspective, Florida, New York, California, and Illinois combined (the leaders in crane incidents behind Texas) to have 50 crane accidents over the same 7-year span.
What Are Some Of The Major Causes Of Crane Accidents?
- Disobeying the manufacturer’s instructions regarding proper use
- Improper crane selection (inadequate capacity, design, or size)
- Operating a crane during dangerous weather conditions
- Improper rigging or crane set up
- Operating a crane where falling debris or other hazardous conditions pose a risk to the crane operator or other workers nearby
- Inadequate training for crane operator
- Operating a crane near power lines
OSHA (the agency responsible for investigating crane accidents) has discovered that almost 50% of crane accidents are caused by the boom or crane making contact with energized power lines.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job by a tow truck, request an appointment with us! To the: 210-342-2777
* Information obtained from: morrowsheppard.com
