Has Your Employer Done His Job in Louisiana Crane Safety?

If cranes are not properly maintained, inspected and used on offshore Louisiana rigs, horrible accidents and even fatalities can happen. Being struck by the load, getting caught inside the swing radius or operating with faulty assembly are common causes of accidents.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) provides a list of common safety rules that you, your employer and co-workers should follow when operating a crane offshore:

 

• Only qualified, trained personnel should operate a crane.
• A qualified person should inspect the crane each time it is used.
• The crane should be level and sitting on a stable surface.
• Block and secure sections before unlocking or removing pins.
• Barricade accessible areas and fully extend outriggers.
• Be sure all crane parts are at least ten feet away from any lines.
• Don't wrap hoist lines around the load, and inspect all rigging.
• Use the load chart for the specific crane in use. 
• Always raise the load a few inches then stop to be sure the balance and brakes are working before continuing.
• Never move a load over workers.
• Use the crane manufacturer's instructions and follow signals.

 

If you have been injured in an offshore crane accident, even one of these safety rules was ignored, and that ignorance played a part in your injury, you may have cause to sue for damages. To find out more, contact The Young Firm in New Orleans for a free case evaluation. Call today toll free at 886-938-6113, or fill out the contact form on this page.