Crane Accidents: Why Do They Happen?

Even though safety rules have improved, crane accidents are still a big problem in the construction industry. Cranes are necessary to move heavy things, but because they are so big and complex, they are prone to accidents. Whether it’s a construction site in a busy city or a quiet rural area, crane accidents can be very bad and even kill people. To make cranes safer and cut down on accidents, it's important to know why they happen.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

In urban areas, because there are so many construction projects going on, crane accidents are quite common. When these kinds of accidents happen, people who are hurt usually need the help of crane accident lawyers to get the compensation they are owed.

Here are some of the most common causes of crane accidents:

• Improper Load Handling: Mishandling the load is one of the main reasons crane accidents happen. If the load is not secured correctly or exceeds the crane’s weight capacity, it may swing or fall, seriously hurting or even killing the people below.
• Poor Ground Conditions: Cranes need stable ground to stay balanced. It can fall over if the ground isn't stable or if it's not checked out properly before the crane is set up. When cranes are used on building sites with loose soil or when outriggers are set up on wet or soft ground, this risk increases.
• Mechanical Failures: Cranes have many moving parts, such as booms, wires, and hooks, and all of them need to be serviced regularly. Mechanical failure can happen because of worn-out parts, poor maintenance, or problems that come up out of the blue. When parts of a crane fail, the load could fall or the structure could fall, which would put everyone on the job site in danger.
• Inadequate Training: To operate a crane, you need to have certain skills and training. When crane handlers or site workers don't have enough training, they might not follow safety rules, which makes it more likely that an accident will happen. Another problem that often leads to dangerous accidents is poor communication between the crane operator and the signal person.
• Electrocution Risks: Another common reason for crane accidents is electrocution, especially when the crane is used near power lines. A dangerous current can flow through the crane if the boom or load line touches live electrical wires. 
  Riggers and ground crew are often hurt in this kind of accident because they may be hanging on to taglines at the time of contact. In cities, where power lines are close together and cranes don't have much room to move, the risk is higher.
• Lack of Safety Protocols: Many crane accidents happen because there aren't enough safety rules and procedures in place. OSHA requires the use of signal people, who help keep crane operations safe. However, accidents can happen if trained staff are not used. Site managers who skip important checks or don't follow safety rules also put workers in danger for no reason.

Worker Falls: A Major Hazard

Falls from cranes are some of the worst accidents that can happen, and they often kill or seriously hurt people. There is a big risk for workers who fall from a height, especially if they don't have the right safety gear on.

People often fall while putting together or taking apart tower cranes, which requires them to climb and secure parts at very high levels. If there isn't a fall arrest device in place, even a small slip can be fatal.

Tips to Prevent Crane Accidents

Preventing crane accidents requires strict adherence to safety protocols and regular maintenance checks. Here are some essential tips:

• Regular inspections
• Proper training
• Stable ground assessment
• Follow load limits
• Use fall protection