Construction Cranes: Causes and Types of Crane Injuries

Heavy machinery like cranes are necessary in the construction industry. Construction injuries often are a result of unsafe working conditions, dangerous operation of machinery, malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment, and violations of safety standards and regulations. Crane accidents are responsible for about 50 deaths per year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as a large portion of construction injuries.

Crane Safety

To ensure the work environment is safe when cranes are in use, operators should have special training. Many crane operators need special certificates or licenses that show they are qualified to operate the equipment. Construction companies have a responsible to maintain a reasonable expectation of safety to both employees on the job site and people who come into contact with the construction site.

Causes of Crane Accidents

According to OSHA, the majority of crane accidents and crane injuries are a result of cranes coming into contact with power lines. About 40% of crane related deaths are power line related. Additionally, unsecured loads or overloaded cranes can cause the equipment to tip over. Common causes of crane accidents include:

• outrigger failure
• equipment failure or improper maintenance of equipment
• dropped loads
• boom buckling

• lack of training or experience for operators

Types of Crane Injuries

Operators of cranes may become injuried if they fall from the crane. Construction workers as well as bystanders often experience crane injuries when objects fall from the crane. A variety of medical conditions can result, from broken bones, burns, brain injuries, impaired motor skills, loss of limbs or back or neck injuries. People who suffer crane injuries will at a minimum face high medical bills and at least temporarily lost wages, while the more seriously injured may never return to work again.


If you have worked as a crane operator or on a construction job site and were injured by a crane, you'll need to protect your rights to worker's compensation claims. Contact a personal injury lawyer at (877) 288-9191 or use the online contact form to discuss your potential case.



Lever & Stolzenberg, LLP is located in White Plains, New York and serves clients throughout the state, including New York City's five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island) as well as Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. 

Additional Cities: Yonkers, Port Chester, Scarsdale, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Rye, Mount Kisco, Bedford, Eastchester, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, Pelham, Ossining, Greenburgh, New City, Spring Valley, Pearl River.

Additional Counties: Orange County, Dutchess County, Putnam County.