A Quick Look At Common Crane-Related Accidents In Construction Zones
Whether you are a construction worker yourself or just happen to be in the area where construction work is being performed, being in the same vicinity of heavy equipment requires absolute caution for sure. However, there is one piece of heavy construction equipment that is far more likely to cause an injury simply because of the nature of how it operates: the crane. Cranes are a common staple in construction zones because they offer a telescoping lift boom that gives the operator the ability to maneuver heavy objects in an overhead fashion. To keep yourself protected from injury if you are going to be in a construction zone, you should know the common crane-related injury that can occur.
Injuries sustained from falling objects dropped by a crane during movement.
It is not at all uncommon for a crane operator to assume that whatever they have picked up is secure only to have an object or pieces of an object fall to the ground when they start to move the crane arm. The combination of the heft of some of these items and the major elevation can mean that dropped objects have the potential to not only cause a major injury, but also be sent hurling in varying directions after striking the ground because of the force.
Injuries resulting from loose crane equipment.
While crane operators have the responsibility of ensuring the attachments and equipment they use with the crane is completely secure, accidents can and do happen. If an attachment is not properly secured to the lift boom of the crane, these massive parts can be dropped to the ground when the crane arm is in motion. Because the attachments can weigh hundreds of pounds, the potential of traumatic injury if this happens is high.
Injuries caused by a misguided crane hook or other attachment.
It is vital that construction companies only allow operators on a crane that are licensed and have ample experience because the crane's attachments can be extremely difficult to maneuver and maintain control. This is especially true with attachments suspended by a cable like a crane hook. When the arm moves, if the motion occurs to quickly, it can send the suspended attachment veering out toward bystanders, which can be extremely dangerous.
In the end, being in the same area as a crane in operation is a position you should avoid if at all possible. However, if you have injured by a crane, it is a good idea to discuss your injuries with an attorney for legal advice.
For more information about help with heavy equipment injuries, contact businesses such as Maritime Law Center.