If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Signal all-stop to the crane operator, or have the signal person do it.
- 2Get clear of the load path if you can move without making injuries worse.
- 3Call 911 for loss of consciousness, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a deformed limb, or if you were pinned.
- 4Stay still if your head, neck or back hurts.
- 5Tell your foreman and report the injury in writing. Keep a copy.
- 6Note the crane, operator, rigger and signal person, what was being lifted, and the wind and site conditions.
- 7Ask that the rigging and lift plan be kept for review.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Crane and rigging incidents on construction sites, oil and gas sites and in industrial yards often involve several companies: the crane owner or rental company, the operator's employer, the rigging crew and the general contractor. You report to your own employer, but write down who was who.
In your report, describe the lift — the load, the tag lines, the wind, the signals given, and where you were standing. Note whether the load swung unexpectedly, a rigging part failed, or you were in the swing radius.
Your employer generally sends the report to its insurer or claims administrator. Deadlines to report and file vary by state, so check with your state's workers' compensation agency as soon as possible.
Keep hospital records, photos, the names of witnesses and a log of calls and missed work.
Getting medical care
Emergency care or urgent care comes first. Follow-up may involve neurology and concussion care, orthopedics for shoulder or fracture injuries, and imaging. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Tell every provider you were struck by a crane load at work, where it hit you, and whether you fell or hit your head. Some states and employers have rules about which provider handles follow-up, so ask your employer or adjuster.
If you're prescribed medication or a sling or brace, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions and supplies are handled. Home delivery can help during recovery.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You have a head injury, shoulder injury or fractures with lasting effects.
- The crane, operator or rigging crew belonged to another company.
- Rigging equipment failed or the crane may have had a defect.
- Your claim is denied or delayed, or you're blamed for being in the swing radius.
- You can't return to construction or field work.
- There are disputes about surgery or specialist care.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Follow your care plan and keep therapy visits. Shoulder and head injuries can take time to recover.
Ask your doctor about restrictions on overhead work, climbing, lifting and heights. Ask your employer about lighter duties on site or in the office.
Keep your foreman and adjuster updated. If you feel uneasy around lifts afterward, tell your clinician.
Questions to ask
- Doctor: Could I have a concussion, and what should I watch for?
- Doctor: Is my shoulder injury from the strike, and what can I do with that arm?
- Employer: Who owned the crane and employed the operator and riggers?
- Employer: Can I get a copy of the incident report and lift plan?
- Adjuster: What is my claim number, and which specialists can I see?
- Adjuster: How are therapy visits handled?
- Attorney: The crane company was a separate contractor. Does that matter?
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I was hit by a swinging load or crane?
Signal all-stop, get clear of the load if you can safely move, and call 911 for serious injuries. Stay still if your head, neck or back hurts. Report it in writing and note who was involved in the lift.
Is being hit by a crane load covered by workers' comp?
Struck-by injuries on the job are often handled through workers' compensation, depending on your state and situation. Report it in writing. Check deadlines with your state's agency.
Who is responsible when a crane load hits a worker?
Workers' compensation usually applies through your employer. If the crane, operator or riggers belonged to another company, there may be other questions. Many people talk with an attorney.
What injuries are common from being struck by a crane load?
Head injuries, shoulder injuries, fractures and chest injuries are common. Some aren't obvious right away. Get a full evaluation.
What if the rigging failed?
Ask that the rigging be kept for inspection and note what you saw. Equipment failure may raise questions beyond workers' compensation. An attorney can explain options.
When can I go back on site after a crane injury?
Your doctor decides. Ask for written restrictions. Share them with your foreman.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).