Is Crane Safety Still an Issue in Construction?

Let the Philadelphia Workers' Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Offer Advice on Work Accidents

Numerous industries rely on cranes to help lighten the load and get the job done in a more streamlined manner. Whether fixed or mobile, the versatility of cranes and their ability to lift and shift heavy loads of materials to their desired location make them a perfect partner in agricultural settings as well as industrial and construction sites. However, an industry’s reliance on such heavy equipment inevitably leads to adverse encounters and accidents. So, what does one need to know to stay safe around this all-important machinery, particularly in a construction setting?

One of the first lessons in handling cranes properly is having the appropriate training. Not only do crane operators have to be properly certified and licensed, those working around the jobsite should have knowledge of policies and procedures regarding this heavy equipment. Additionally, as of November 2018, all riggers and signal persons must be accredited as well, according to the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators Foundation (NCCCO).

In a 2023 survey in which the National Safety Council (NSC) partnered with the NCCCO, 2,200 voluntary and anonymous responses were collected inviting crane operators to weigh in on what they felt were the biggest risk factors and most common injuries involving cranes. According to the data collected, three scenarios were the most prevalent in contributing to dangerous situations:

  1. Working at heights. Understanding load limits and load radius to prevent equipment from tipping over is essential in crane safety. Rigging equipment must be paired with the proper load capacity to operate safely as well.
  • Vehicle and pedestrian collisions. Being crushed or struck by a crane occurs when safety protocols are not used to separate these two types of traffic. Flashing lights and sirens to indicate crane movement helps to alert foot traffic to the moving parts of these vehicles. Additionally, crosswalks and other safe zones can help distinguish traffic patterns so that a construction site can be traversed safely.
  • Loading and unloading materials. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) show that more than half of all deaths involving cranes are the result of individuals being struck by objects or equipment. Therefore, understanding how to properly rig materials and secure them will go a long way in ensuring safety.

The workers further noted two factors that most commonly contribute to unsafe situations involving cranes – heat stress and fatigue. While heat stress involves environmental factors that are often beyond one’s control, both force an individual to work beyond his or her capacity and rush to finish a job—which could have dire consequences.

Who Is Liable in a Crane Accident?

If there is an accident on a job site, there are a number of parties that can be held liable for the incident, including the crane operator, contractor, property owner, and crane manufacturer. The involvement of each party depends on a number of factors, such as the condition of the equipment, the job site, and the individual operating it. For instance, if an operator is proven to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this could weigh into who is found to be at fault for an incident. Unfortunately, it is a sad fact that the lion’s share of crane accidents—more than 90 percent—are the result of operator error. Daily and monthly crane inspections help to ensure equipment is functioning properly and could also factor into whether a worksite is deemed safe or not. 

Let the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. Offer Advice on Work Accidents

Whether or not a crane accident could have been avoided is a tough situation to determine. The Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. can help make sense of a tricky case. For a free consultation, call 888-999-1962 or use our online form to contact us. Offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.