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Any sort of industrial work can place the life of a worker in great danger. Those who work in the field of construction understand just how great these risks factors are, though when using the proper tools and safety precautions the job can be accomplished without the harm of another person.

Unfortunately, those who are on the job are also relying on their employers to create this safe work environment, training and equipping each and every worker for the job ahead.

Since 1970, the construction business has been under close scrutiny by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Act was created to hold companies to higher standards on behalf of their employees whose lives are constantly being placed at risk.

With these things in mind, the following is what you need to know about crane accidents, and the steps you should take if injured, including calling a Raleigh construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. To learn more or discuss your claim, schedule a consultation today.

Common Causes of Crane Accidents

Crane accidents are a common cause of injuries for those in this occupation. At this time there are an estimated 125,000 cranes in operation today just in the construction industry alone; when adding in the maritime industry the there is an additional 100,000 in the picture. Back in 1993 there were 79 total fatalities listed from crane accidents, and as our world is ever expanding and growing, so does the need for construction, and therefore the likelihood of a working being injured or killed on the job. Common causes of a crane accident include:

  • Crane buckling due to a malfunction or a park breaking
  • Crane electrocutions and other mechanical malfunctions
  • Problems during assembly/disassembly
  • Crane boom collapsing
  • Contact with power lines
  • Workers falling from the cranes or heavy objects falling

How These Accidents Occur

The majority of these accidents are entirely preventable, and yet for whatever reason there are people daily getting injured because of these very issues. According to OSHA, at least 8 percent of crane accidents are directly because the crane collapsed or buckled. Injuries may also be caused due to a faulty product part, or because your boss wanted your task to go by faster and they forced you to use above the weight limit on the crane.

Many accidents also occur when the load on the boom shifts weight suddenly, this can result in the load either falling or the boom entirely breaking crane. Oftentimes this occurs when the load is not properly “blocked” on the crane as it is used in order to help protect weight from shifting during the lift.

The list of possible causes of crane accidents can go one forever, though it is important to know that if an accident occurred our firm can help you prove the fault of the party responsible.

According to reports by OSHA, crane injuries do not often affect the crane operator themselves but rather are more of a hazard for the workers below such as the riggers, carpenters or ironworkers. Many people are at risk of crane accidents, which is why it is so crucial to implement the proper safety procedures.

What To Do If You’re Involved

In the event you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident or you have recently lost a loved one because of it, do not hesitate before contacting a Raleigh personal injury lawyer at the Whitley Law Firm today! Our firm is equipped to help you fight for the compensation you deserve after an accident and injury. We understand how difficult this is to go through, and the very real possibility that you may never be the same again can be freighting.

While we can’t undo what you have experienced, by fighting for compensation after a work place injury we can help you seek enough to pay for the extensive medical bills, the lost wages and perhaps even future loss of income because of the severity of your injury.