Do You Need A License To Operate A Crane?

In New York, all crane operators are required to hold a license. This state has specific licensing requirements that all crane operators need to meet, and the requirements will depend on the type of crane license an operator wishes to obtain. Licensing requirements are so strict because of how dangerous a crane operator’s job is in the construction industry.

According to data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s estimated that 42 percent of construction fatalities are due to construction crane accidents each year, particularly in the civil engineering and specialty trades fields. In addition to this, it’s believed that falls from a crane account for nearly 14 percent of all fatalities every year in the US.

In this article, we’re going to have a closer look into the licensing requirements needed to operate a crane, and we will look at some of the important information you need to note about crane accidents. Should you have recently been involved in a crane accident, you might want to consider speaking with one of our Brooklyn attorneys at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman.

A License Is Needed To Operate A Crane In Brooklyn

In Brooklyn, a construction worker must hold a hoisting machine operator license to operate a crane. There are three different types of crane licenses that can be obtained, namely a Class A, B, or C license.

A Class A license operates machines with a boom length of fewer than 200 feet. A Class B license is to operate machines with any boom length, and a Class C license is to operate machines under 50 tons.

To get a crane operator license, a person needs to pass exams by various accredited organizations like the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. When an exam is passed, and a license is issued, the operator is knowledgeable enough and has met the experience requirements to obtain such certification.

The Leading Causes Of Crane Injuries

Unfortunately, crane injuries are a reality in various industries, including the construction industry. That’s why it’s incredibly important that crane operators are expertly trained in the operation and safe use of cranes in their daily work tasks. Below we have mentioned a few of the most common causes of crane injuries so that you know what to avoid or are aware could happen while you operate this type of machinery.

• The operation of cranes during poor weather conditions.
• Workers falling out of a crane.
• Objects falling from a crane onto a person below.
• Cranes overturning.
• Operators accidentally touch power lines with their cranes.
• Boom collapses.
• Accidents caused by failures to perform proper safety inspections.
• Cranes being used improperly.

What Are The Common Crane Injuries?

Now that you know a few of the common causes of crane accidents, we thought it important to tell you the common crane injuries that crane operators often suffer.

• Severed limbs.
• Lacerations and bruises.
• Broken and fractured bones.
• Crushed limbs, which in many instances result in amputation.
• Minor to major traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Paralysis.
• Death

Speak With A Brooklyn Construction Attorney Today To Discuss Your Case

If you have been involved in a crane operator accident, you likely are experiencing a stressful situation that you likely want to be resolved as soon as possible. That is why you should consider speaking with a Brooklyn construction attorney, as they can help you seek compensation for any injuries or damages you sustained.

At Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman, we have experience helping clients who have been involved in crane operator accidents. Our team will work with you to increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with our Brooklyn firm today to speak with one of our attorneys.