Crane Accident Compensation

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Crane Accident At Work

Cranes are one of the great wonders of modern machinery that have pushed the boundaries of human accomplishment by facilitating the lifting and positioning of vast materials. Cranes are used extensively in industries such as construction, engineering, shipbuilding, mining and oil production. Though accidents involving cranes are relatively rare, the consequences can be extremely serious. As the HSE have commented: 'Because of the nature of tower cranes, when something goes wrong people get badly hurt or killed.'

Recent Increase In Crane Accidents

Since 2000, with the boom in construction across the UK, the number of cranes in operation has increased by a factor of four. A series of crane accidents have taken place resulting in eight fatalities, while many more severe injuries have been sustained by crane operatives and those working or passing below. There have been at least 12 major crane accidents on Merseyside alone since 2006, causing deaths, injuries and extensive damage to buildings. In March 2010 steel giant Corus was fined £100,000 when a tower crane overturned. The ongoing incidence of crane accidents has led the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to introduce a statutory tower crane register under The Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010. This legislation will supposedly facilitate easier monitoring and inspection of tower cranes in use across Britain.

Typical Causes Of Crane Accidents

Experts in the construction industry have blamed the recent spate of crane accidents on a lack of experienced, highly trained operatives in relation to the increased number of tower cranes being deployed. This identification of human error as a principal cause of accidents extends to both crane drivers and those charged with maintenance and safety procedures. It also seems likely that as buildings have become taller, and architects' plans more complex, cranes and their operatives are being constantly pushed to perform beyond previous comfort zones. Crane drivers may be at fault where the crane comes into contact with power cables or other structures around it. Such errors can be caused by a breakdown in communication between the driver and workers on the ground, or by a failure to observe safety procedures. Cranes may collapse or drop materials being carried where miscalculations with rigging, assembly or counter-weights have been made. Cranes may also be subject to mechanical failure due to poor maintenance or the most minor design defects.

Consequences Of Crane Accidents

The size and weight of both cranes and their loads is what makes the consequences of crane accidents so potentially devastating. In a recent case in Liverpool, a crane collapsed into an inhabited city centre tower block, penetrating down six floors. Miraculously none of the building's residents were hurt, though the crane driver sustained severe injuries. Where accidents with cranes take place in more dangerous environments, such as on oil or gas rigs, the risks of a serious disaster occurring increase dramatically. Fatal injuries result from the fact that crane accidents happen at high speed, involve extremely heavy materials, and often take place in a crowded, busy working environment. Serious crush injuries may also be sustained to the hands and fingers of workers, which become trapped as they try to stabilise or secure a crane's load. Wind, height and the speed at which the crane is operating will all affect the incidence of this injury type.

Crane Accident Compensation Claims

Employers must ensure that crane operatives are fully trained and hold the necessary industry certificates to operate such vehicles. Cranes should be subject to regular safety inspections and properly maintained. Both drivers and workers in the vicinity need to be fully aware of safety procedures relating the crane operations. Supervisors must ensure that a crane does not attempt to lift weights beyond its ability, and that heights and angles are calculated prior to a lift. Workers must also be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment such as hard hats and heavy gloves where necessary.

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists in crane accident and injury compensation claims. We operate on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case your employer's insurance company will pay all of your legal fees, and if you lose you will not pay a penny.

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