Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers Discuss Dangers of Crane Accidents

Construction is dangerous work, with construction accidents accounting for more than 22 percent of work-related deaths per year. This figure is particularly troubling, considering construction workers make up only 8 percent of the U.S. workforce. To add to this, it is 71 percent more likely for construction workers to suffer from nonfatal injuries compared to employees from other industries in general, according to a U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) study. In another study, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that crane accidents are one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities in the construction industry.

Common Causes of Crane-Related Accidents

Like other heavy machinery, cranes are naturally high risks for catastrophic injuries, being extremely tall structures which frequently necessitate complex maneuvers and understanding to properly operate. Crane collapses frequently lead to fatalities. Even simple miscalculations can result in deaths. A crane operator in Philadelphia died in October after the crane he was working on rolled over a sidewalk grate and collapsed. He fell 125 feet to the ground.

Common causes of crane accidents include:

• A crane coming into contact with charged power lines
• Improperly dropped loads
• Failing in rigging

Crane Operation Guidelines

The U.S. Labor Department released a report estimating that at least 80 people die each year from crane-related accidents. The majority of these accidents are caused by human error. With this in mind, it is important to understand certain guidelines and operating procedures regarding cranes. These guidelines include:

• Thorough inspections before using cranes
• The crane must be placed on stable and flat ground at least 10 feet away from electrical cables
• Carefully check load capacities before lifting loads
• Fall protection equipment should be provided for individuals working more than six feet above the ground

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Fight for Compensation for Workers Injured in Crane Accidents

If you have suffered an injury or the tragic loss of a loved one due to an accident on a construction site, you do not need to fight for your compensation alone. Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law are ready to help. With offices located in Center City Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we assist clients throughout Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic County. Call us today at 215-426-4493 to schedule a free consultation, or submit an online contact form.