Offshore Crane Accidents

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Cranes are central to offshore operations and can create severe hazards when loads are lifted over decks, vessels, platforms, or personnel. Injuries can result from dropped loads, swinging loads, line failures, equipment defects, poor communication, unstable lifts, improper rigging, or personnel entering a danger zone.

A crane accident investigation should examine the equipment, rigging, load weight, lift plan, weather, sea conditions, operator qualifications, signal-person communications, maintenance history, inspection records, and whether the lift complied with company procedures. Video and electronic crane data can be especially important when available.

Responsibility may extend beyond the injured worker's employer. The crane owner, vessel owner, operator, rigging contractor, equipment manufacturer, maintenance contractor, and other companies may each have controlled different aspects of the operation.

Injuries from crane events are often catastrophic because of the forces involved. Crush injuries, amputations, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and fatalities can occur even when a load moves only a short distance. The medical and vocational consequences may prevent a worker from returning to offshore employment.

Physical components should be preserved before repair or disposal whenever possible. Wire rope, slings, shackles, hooks, controls, limit switches, and failed parts can contain evidence about the cause of the event.