From New York City to Miami, accidents involving mobile or construction cranes designed to lift large loads atop high rise towers under construction have risen in kind. Between 1992 and 2002, the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported 719 deaths involving mobile cranes. In most instances, accidents - including tip over, boom collapse, and workers struck by uncontrolled hoisted loads or crane parts - were avoidable, if standard maintenance, operation, safety and security protocols were followed.

Causes for such accidents include:

• Use of faulty or inappropriately inspected or maintained equipment, including those with defecting or inoperable Load Moment Indicators
• Electrocution caused by contact with a power line or other power source
• Operation by unskilled, unlicensed or uncertified personnel - or without the use of a spotter to ensure the operator is aware of hazards and bystanders
• Use during inclement weather or other conditions adverse to safe operation
• Hoisting oversized or uncontrolled loads, or operating the crane without a critical lift plan or beyond the manufacturer's recommended safe lifting capacity
• Ineffective anchoring or securing of the apparatus to supporting structures, footing, foundation or stable grounding, or tipping from limited extension of outriggers
• Avoidance of or accommodations for special hazards, including use on floating barges or in industrial plants, or on worksites not in compliance with OSHA standards and regulations
• Boom collapse caused by overloading, improper assembly / disassembly or rigging

If you or a loved one is injured in a mobile or construction crane accident resulting from faulty or unmaintained equipment, use in inclement conditions, operation by an unskilled worker, or someone else's liability or negligence, contact Chalik & Chalik to explore your rights. You may be entitled to compensation. Call Toll Free: 888-539-5297 or email a work-related accident attorney in our Fort Lauderdale or Miami office.