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Offshore cranes can cause serious injuries - learn more.

When most people think of cranes, they think of land based construction sites; however, cranes are used extensively in the maritime and offshore industry.

Types of cranes used by offshore and long shore workers:

• Crane vessels, crane ships or floating crane
• Catamaran crane vessel
• Monohull crane vessel
• Semi-submersible crane
• Sheerleg crane
• Boat cranes
• Deck cranes
• Ooffshore cranes
• Cargo cranes
• Transfer cranes,
• Yatch cranes
• Workboat cranes
• Oil rig or oil platform cranes.

Cranes are used daily in the shipping industry to carry and lift heavy objects. Unfortunately, in some circumstances they may accidentally drop the very same objects causing injury or even death. Crane collapse, falls, tip-overs and other accidents can also have devastating consequences.

Causes of crane accidents include overloading, stress failure, metal fatigue, inadequate maintenance, inadequate training, insufficient safety precautions, and operator negligence.

To protect worker safety:

• All cranes must be tested and certified by crane inspection professionals.
• All moving parts of the crane must be guarded
• Employees must not be able to enter areas within the swing radius of the crane.
• Anyone operating the crane must be trained in its safe use.
• There must be emergency equipment and procedures in case of an accident.

Cranes used near shore or offshore should be inspected frequently because harsh weather conditions and a wet environment can cause deterioration of metal parts. A vessel owner is responsible for making sure that all equipment used on the vessel is maintained in safe operating condition.

Those who are injured in a crane accident while working offshore or near the shore have rights under maritime law. Depending on their job and the cause of the accident, injured workers and their families may be eligible to receive compensation under the Jones Act, Death On the High Seas Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act and general maritime law.

If you have been injured in an offshore crane accident, the maritime law attorneys at The Young Firm can help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Call our New Orleans law office at 1-866-938-6113 and schedule a free consultation with a maritime injury lawyer. When you call, request your free copy of our book, “Employee’s Guide to Maritime Injury Law.”