Crane fatalities — a taxonomic analysis

Cranes are remarkable and invaluable tools for hoisting and carrying. Like all other tools they have significantly increased humans’ capacity to work; they marshal far more energy than can human or animal muscle. However, the large quantities of energy involved and the human–crane–environment interactions required result in there being a high potential for damage to occur to people and equipment. The current situation is that similar serious crane occurrences continue to repeatedly recur, albeit separated in terms of time and space. As a result, crane fatalities can be considered as endemic, at least; many would suggest epidemic. To gain sufficient insight into the aetiology of crane-related damage, and establish key focus areas for future control, there is a need to establish the pattern of crane-related damaging occurrences. To achieve this for fatalities, an approach was made to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which provided over 500 crane fatality narratives for the years 1985–1995. This information was scientifically organised using the taxonomic process involving observation, description and classification of the data into groups. The pattern is presented along with discussion regarding the application and limitations of the information. The data are intended to add to the information base of crane designers, owners and users in order to challenge the status quo and generate effective change for the future.