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Common Crane Accidents
What To Do After An Accident and How To Claim Compensation
Cranes are often required on construction sites and due to the hazardous nature of the industry, there are common crane accidents which can happen. Cranes are also a familiar sight in heavy industry and shipping. They lift, move and position massive loads.
However, if you are an operator, worker or just a bystander, a crane accident may have a devastating result. Cranes may topple over, drop a load or collide with another vehicle.
If you have been involved in a crane accident, at Jefferies Claims, we work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we may be able to help.
Common Crane Accidents
Crane Collapse
Crane collapses generally happen due to overloading, improper setup, or structural failure. If a crane isn’t set up on stable ground or the weight limit is ignored, the crane can come crashing down. Such an incident has the potential to cause injuries to both workers and bystanders.
Falling Loads
When a crane drops a load, whether due to mechanical failure, anything below is at risk. It may drop a load due to mechanical failure, operator error or even in bad weather. Falling loads can crush workers, damage structures, and even injure pedestrians nearby.
Contact with Power Lines
Cranes are big, metal, and often work near electrical lines. Unfortunately, if a crane’s boom or cable touches a live power line, it can cause electrocution to the operator and any workers in contact with the crane. This is considered as one of the worst types of crane accidents.
Crane Tipping Over
Cranes must be positioned correctly and balanced. If not, they can tip over. This may happens due to improper ground support, lifting a load that’s too heavy for the crane’s base, or even extreme weather.
Boom Collapse
The boom is the long arm of the crane. This can buckle or collapse if it’s extended too far or if there’s a structural fault. This can send heavy materials falling and cause injuries to anyone in the area.
Struck-By Accidents
On-site workers can be hit by moving crane parts or swinging loads. A miscalculation in the crane’s movement can result in serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma.
Mechanical Failures
Just like any machine, cranes need proper and on-going maintenance. If a crucial part fails mid-operation, it can lead to serious accidents. Faulty brakes, frayed cables, or hydraulic issues are common culprits.
Who’s at Risk?
Crane accidents do not only affect the operator, but pose a danger to workers on the site, as well as any bystanders.
- Operators – The ones controlling the crane are at risk of falls, electrocution, and injury if the crane tips or collapses.
- Construction Workers – They work around cranes daily and can be struck by loads, crushed, or electrocuted.
- Bystanders – As cranes are so large, passersby near construction sites may be injured if a crane drops a load or tips over.
Making a Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured in a crane accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, for a personal injury claim to be successful, you will need to be able to show that your injury was someone else’s fault.
This may include your employer if they were negligent and failed to follow health and safety regulations. Or a third-party contractor if another company on-site caused the accidents.
Your first priority will be to get the necessary medical attention. You must also ensure the accident is logged in the company accidents book. Keep records of medical treatment and costs.
It would also be useful to take photos of your injury and the accident scene. Additionally, any witness statements about the incident can strengthen your claim. You generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. However, there are exceptions such as if the victim is under 18.
The friendly team at Jefferies Claims can guide you through a potential claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page for a free, no-obligation consultation.
