Heavy-duty machines such as cranes play a vital role in many aspects of the construction industry. Unfortunately, accidents involving cranes also remain a prevalent cause of injury and death in this field. Construction workers in North Carolina who wish to promote safety while operating cranes could find it helpful to address some of the most common reasons behind crane-related construction accidents.
Crane-related incidents
According to OSHA, the most prevalent cause of crane accidents involves a scenario in which any part of a crane contacts an active power line. OSHA states that electrocution accounts for nearly 40% of all crane-related incidents. Experts also state that improper assembly of cranes is also a common concern, as this could create a variety of potential safety hazards on construction sites. Crane failure also remains a leading cause of such incidents and performing frequent maintenance on similar machines could be integral to staving off similar concerns.
Ensuring that workers have adequate training and experience to operate similar machines may also be vital, as insufficient training could prompt various safety issues. Studies also indicate that crane collapses are another leading cause of construction accidents. Collapses may be more common when operating these machines on unstable ground or when failing to account for crane weight limits while performing job tasks.
Workers’ Compensation
Regardless of how it occurs, a construction accident involving a crane could pose a dire threat to one’s health and safety. Individuals in North Carolina who suffer severe harm during a work-related accident may have understandable concerns about what steps they can take to help address the financial fallout involved. Following such an incident, a person might consider retaining the services of an experienced attorney for assistance in preparing to protect his or her future via the workers’ compensation insurance system process.
