| Through the years, we've seen many, many crane wrecks. From
each, we can learn how to avoid future accidents. Below is
a collection of crane wrecks. You can click on the photos
to the right to see a larger view.
Crane Wreck Video
View Crane Wreck Video
Wreck One
Whenever more than one crane is utilized to make a lift
it is imperative that established procedures are implemented.
Multiple crane lifts are complex and require significant
skill and planning. If left to chance the result can be
catastrophic.
Wreck Two
Cranes are equipped with outriggers because they provide
the maximum stability required for lifting. However, sometimes
it is necessary to pick and carry loads on rubber. If
certain precautions are not observed when a mobile crane
is in the "on rubber" configuration, the machine
will become unstable and topple.
Wreck Three
Many workers go through the day on a job site and never
give a working crane a second thought. Everyone within
the radius of a crane must always be alert. A crane can
become distressed at any moment and if you're not attentive
to your surroundings you are setting yourself up for danger.
Wreck Four
People with no formal training or prior experience with
a mobile crane must not be allowed to engage in its
operation. It is too often that an inexperienced operator
is used on the job and the end result is injury, property
damage or worse. There is no substitute for experience.
Wreck Five
Mobile cranes have four areas of operation: front, sides
and rear. Truck mounted cranes, especially those with
front bumper counter weights, have much greater lifting
capacities when working within the rear quadrant as compared
to side quadrant capacities. When an operator fails to
recognize the difference during a heavy lift this can
be the result.
Wreck Six
Many of today's high-tech mobile cranes have load monitoring
systems. (LMI) if used correctly, these systems can be
of a great benefit. However, an operator who abuses the
system will eventually learn the consequences as this
operator did.
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