According to estimates by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) there are, on an average, 89 crane accident related fatalities each year in the US.  32 percent of these fatalities are caused when crane operators are struck by a heavy load, 27 percent occur due to electrocution when the crane comes in contact with a live power line.  The remaining deaths occur as a result of crane boom or cable failure, tipping over or overturning of the crane, and falls.

Causes of Crane Accidents

Electrocution

A majority of crane accidents – close to 39 percent - are caused by electrocution.  Crane booms, cables or other parts can come into contact with a live power line while under operation, electrocuting the crane operator, as well as any other workers nearby.

Accidents During Crane Assembly / Disassembly

Crane assembly and disassembly must be done according to the manufacturer's specifications. Before operation, tests must be performed to gauge the stability of the crane.  Failure to do this can cause accidents, and can often be traced to lack of proper communication among the workers involved in the procedure, or human error at any point in the procedure.  OSHA's 2008 standards for crane and derrick operations require that assembly and disassembly must be done only by properly trained workers, working under the supervision of competent persons.  Crane assembly and disassembly related accidents account for about 12 percent of all crane accidents.

Crane Boom Collapse Accidents

Extending the crane boom beyond manufacturer's specifications can affect the crane's capacity to carry loads, and lead to tremendous pressure on mechanical, hydraulic, and structural components of the crane. The crane boom can collapse, injuring operators and workers standing below. Crane boom buckling or collapse related accidents make up about 8 percent of crane accidents.

Crane Tip Over

Crane tipping occurs when there is overloading beyond the crane's capacity, or when ground conditions are unstable or uneven, causing the crane to tip over or collapse.

Inadequate Crane Operator Training

Insufficient training is both a primary and secondary cause in crane accidents. The operator is required to recognize when the crane has reached its maximum loading point, and whether conditions on the ground are ideal for hoisting activities.

Crane Load Accidents

Workers who are within the swing radius of an operating crane can be struck by loads causing injuries. Employers are required to barricade the area, and train workers about the hazards involved in entering the area when a crane is in operation.

Fall Accidents

Wind conditions or an unstable platform can lead to a fall accident, particularly for operators of tower cranes who must climb extensive ladder systems to reach the crane operator cab.  Employers are required to provide proper safety belts and harnesses, and make arrangements for adequate guardrails and secured steps at the site, to prevent crane operators from experiencing serious or fatal falls.

Prevention of Crane Accidents

OSHA requires that a number of conditions be met for the prevention of crane accidents.  These include:

• Proper training of crane operators and related workers
• Regular maintenance of crane equipment
• Proper rigging of cranes and loads
• Strictly observing and respecting the load capacity of a crane, according to manufacturer's specifications
• Supervision of crane assembly and disassembly procedures
• Maintaining open communication lines among the various operators, supervisors and workers involved in crane operations
• Provision of stable ground conditions before the operation of a crane