How Common Are Crane-Related Accidents?
Crane-related accidents happen more often than many people think, posing severe risks to workers and employers. Between 2011 and 2017, there were 297 crane-related fatalities in the U.S., averaging 42 deaths per year. Struck-by incidents were the leading cause, responsible for over half of these deaths, including 91 caused by falling objects. Falls and transportation incidents accounted for 14% and 13% of fatalities, respectively.
An in-depth study of 249 industrial crane incidents over a decade revealed the following critical statistics:
Frequency of Injuries and Fatalities
The 249 incidents resulted in 133 injuries and 133 fatalities, highlighting the severe outcomes of crane accidents.
Leading Causes of Accidents
- Crushed by the Load: This accounted for 37% of incidents, causing 33.8% of fatalities and 36.8% of injuries.
- Load Drops: At 27%, these incidents were often due to poor rigging practices.
- Falls from Heights: Representing 12% of cases, some falls were from over 100 feet.
- Crushed or Run Over by Cranes: These made up 11% of incidents, with a staggering 93% resulting in fatalities.
Financial and Operational Costs
Crane-related accidents are not only commonplace, but also incredibly costly. The average fatality results in $4 million in direct costs, while a significant injury averages $200,000. OSHA violations across the 249 incidents led to $2.3 million in fines.
Additional costs include medical bills, damaged equipment, and lost productivity. Indirect consequences, like increased insurance premiums, reduced efficiency, and harm to a company’s reputation, add to the financial burden.
With 74% of these incidents occurring during routine tasks, the data highlights how frequent and preventable crane-related accidents are.
