Factors that contribute to fatalities involving cranes

Workplace injuries happen every day across the country, and undoubtedly, some occur here in Chicago. If you work in an industry in which you use large vehicles or equipment, you may find yourself attempting to do your job while remaining vigilant. Sometimes, you can only hope that the operators of those vehicles or pieces of equipment are doing the same.

For instance, if you work with or around cranes, you know that they present a source of danger for you. However, simply saying that a certain number of fatalities occur each year that involve cranes isn’t enough. You need to know from where the danger comes.

Here’s what the data says

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics keeps track of the number of fatalities associated with cranes each year. It also tracks the circumstances under which accidents occur. The Bureau found the following:

• More than half of the fatalities involving cranes happened because equipment or an object — usually that fell from the crane — struck the victim.
• Over 25% of deaths involving a crane happen on construction sites, excluding road construction sites.
• Around 43% of these accidents happened in the private construction industry.
• Another 33% involved workers in the material moving or transportation industries.
• Between 2011 and 2017, Illinois rounded out the top five states with the most fatalities involving cranes. The victims were operating the crane, around the crane or injured by an object having to do with the crane.

After reading the above, you may wonder just how high the probability of you suffering an injury involving a crane is. Of course, there is no way to really know, but the more precautions you take, the better off you may be. Your employer must provide you and your coworkers with the proper training and safety equipment to limit your exposure to the risk.

The problem is that accidents can happen even at the safest work sites. If you end up seriously injured in a work-related accident involving a crane, you could apply for workers’ compensation benefits to provide you with a portion of your income and coverage of your medical and medical-related expenses. Depending on your situation, you may also pursue additional benefits. If your injuries resulted from defective equipment or a third party, you may be able to pursue additional compensation.