Until the launch of CraneAccidents.com, we have not had a place to report crane related accidents. OSHA should have been doing what I'm now doing a long time ago. They have the Website, the investigators, and the data. Their data just needs to be separated and properly organized. Instead of separating the crane related accidents from other industry accidents, they are all thrown into one big confusing database. Statistics are mingled together and are not much help toward isolating specific problem areas. Yes, I'm very critical of OSHA. I think they could and should do a better job of presenting us with some specifics.                    

Like me, I'm sure most of you are probably shocked at what we're seeing. Yet, OSHA has had a full picture of what we are just now seeing for more than two decades and have failed to bring it to the attention of the industry. I firmly believe with the support and cooperation of all of us working together, we can have a tremendous impact toward reducing crane related accidents. First, it will come through recognition of the fact that we do have a problem. I firmly believe that through proper training, of every craft or person involved with lift cranes and the work they perform, we can reduce crane related accidents.

I have just started. I fully intend to lay the blame at the feet of those responsible. In June 1999 ten men died in crane related accidents, three were by electrocution. That disturbs me deeply. Some child will cry before going to sleep tonight because their daddy isn't home. Some widow will walk the floor. Some mother and father will mourn the death of a son. Fellows, we have to get a grip on this thing! There has to be some Accountability and Responsibility, starting at the top and coming all the way down through the ranks.

If every crane owner would immediately do just one thing, it would be a start. Install a power line warning system on your crane(s).

Certification and licensing of crane operators is not the answer either. It is only one step in the right direction. There are lots of people guilty of contributing to crane related accidents. There are crane owners buying inspection stickers under the table so they can keep junky cranes on the job and pocket more profits. There are the cocky, hollering screaming superintendents, foremen and unqualified personnel out there taking advantage of their positions of authority. Many of them override or ignore the suggestions or warnings of the crane operator. You know the type. They seem to be on every project. How they get those top positions has always been a mystery to me.

There are also lots of crane operators out there pulling some dumb stupid stunts too. Neither certification nor a license, can replace using common sense, clear thinking, and keeping a cool head when a crisis situation arises. No one can force an operator to swing his crane into a power line. No one can force an operator to swing a crane over the side with the outriggers retracted. Take a look at some of the accidents shown on this site. A large number, actually, most of them were caused by operator error.

I wouldn't think it is very difficult for a reasonably intelligent person to pass a written test for certification/license. Passing the actual hands-on, in the crane seat is tougher I'm sure. Most crane operators with reasonable skills and experience will probably make the grade. That's all well and good. However, the real test comes when the operator is sitting at the controls on a job-site and there is a hot-headed supervisor or other worker out there directing the lift, it is 98 degrees in the shade, and he is facing the sun. To make matters even worse, the guy is signaling from his position in the shade with a dirty glove on his signal hand and he probably thinks you are supposed to know what he wants you to do. Stopping the lift because you can't see will invite his uncontrolled wrath. At times like that is when most crane operators become frustrated, mad, irritated, and careless. The end result can sometimes become a crane related accident. That my friend is The Genuine Test For Crane Operator Certification.