Crane safety: the cost of injuries and accidents

From operating heavy machinery to working from heights, construction workers are constantly exposed to a variety of risks — risks that have the potential to lead to accidents. Not only can these accidents be devastating to the worker, but employers can also count on a negative financial impact.

According to the Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB), the total cost of accidents and near-misses in the U.S. in just one year (including both fatalities and non-fatal injuries) was $13 billion.

A single lost-time accident rings in at about $27,000, according to the National Safety Council, not to mention the effects of hefty OSHA fines, repairs, insurance, possible litigation and more on a company’s bottom line.

Cranes are a particular safety focus in the construction industry.

They’re essential on the jobsite for moving heavy loads and speeding up the project timeline, but when they’re not operated properly, cranes can cause serious damage. From 2011 to 2017, the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 297 total crane-related deaths, with Illinois in the top five states with the most fatal injuries due to cranes.

All it takes is an investment in training for contractors to see substantial benefits. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor show the return on investment for every dollar spent on training equates to nearly 400% savings!

Below are a few safety tips for your team to help avoid jobsite accidents and protect the health and safety of all workers.

Check what type of load you’re moving

Moving a heavy rooftop unit requires a different lifting solution than lifting a stack of ductwork. A high-capacity crane for a small load will likely waste time, labor and money, while using a low-capacity crane for a large load can damage equipment or worse.

Operate with qualified personnel

OSHA requires crane operators to go through a three-step qualification process, which includes training, certification and employer evaluation. Plus, make sure your team has a qualified crane signal person helping the crane operator communicate everything from emergency stops to making sure the crane travels safely in any direction.

Perform regular inspections

Supervisors and crane operators should check for rust, cracks and anything that needs to be repaired, and shouldn’t use the equipment until it’s been fixed. Additionally, pre-start checks before every use are recommended, as well as engine start-up checks to make sure everything’s in proper working condition.

Stabilize cranes before rigging

Too often, cranes tip over during operation because of improper outrigger setup. Make sure crane operators follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine how far to extend outriggers, always use outrigger or crane pads and never place outriggers on unsteady ground.