Introduction
Crane accidents are among the most serious construction and industrial workplace incidents. Injuries may result from falling loads, crane collapses, or unsafe working practices around heavy machinery. If you suffered an injury involving a crane and employer negligence played a role, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This page explains what crane accidents involve, when employers are responsible, evidence that helps, and how much compensation you could receive.
At a glance
- Around 34,000 workers were injured through contact with moving machinery between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 108 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
- Crane accidents can cause crush injuries, fractures, spinal damage and fatalities.
- Employers must follow strict health and safety laws, including PUWER and LOLER regulations.
- Compensation can cover pain and suffering, lost income, rehabilitation and long-term care.
- You normally have three years from the accident date to start a claim.
Report your injury straight away. Photograph the crane, ground and load. Get witness names. Note training and hand signals. Ask for the lift plan and maintenance logs. This evidence can really help your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a crane injury?
A crane injury is any harm sustained while operating, working with, or working near cranes. Because cranes handle heavy loads at height, accidents are often severe. Common types of crane accidents include:
- Falling loads – materials dropping from cranes striking workers below.
- Crane collapse or overturning – due to poor ground conditions or overloading.
- Contact with power lines – causing electrocution or burns.
- Crush injuries – workers trapped between crane parts or nearby structures.
- Falls from cranes – if operators or workers are not provided with fall protection.
Examples of crane accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Falling load | Poor rigging or overloading | Head injury, fractures, fatal trauma |
| Crane collapse | Unstable ground, improper assembly | Multiple injuries, spinal damage, fatalities |
| Electrocution | Contact with overhead power lines | Severe burns, cardiac arrest, death |
| Crush accident | Worker trapped by counterweights or moving parts | Amputations, crush injuries, internal bleeding |
| Fall from crane | No harness or guardrails provided | Broken bones, head trauma, paralysis |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your crane accident happened in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to ensure safe equipment, training, or working conditions, and
- Medical evidence confirms the injury and its link to the accident.
If you are unsure, start with Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a crane injury claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers have strict duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). They must:
- Ensure cranes are regularly inspected and maintained.
- Carry out risk assessments for crane operations.
- Provide training and certification for crane operators.
- Plan lifting operations safely, including ground stability and load weight.
- Provide PPE and fall protection where required.
Failure to meet these duties may make employers liable. See also Health and safety breach injury claims.
Employment status and crane injury claims
Whether you’re an operator, slinger/signaller or site labourer, crane-related injuries often point to failures in planning or supervision. You can usually claim regardless of contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a crane injury claim
- Medical records detailing the injury and treatment.
- Accident book entries and incident investigation reports.
- Maintenance and inspection records for the crane.
- Witness statements from co-workers.
- Photographs of the accident site and equipment.
Time limits for crane injury claims
You normally have three years from the date of the accident or the date you realised your injury was linked to work (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply if you were under 18 or lack capacity. See time limits for claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can I claim if I was a contractor on site?
Yes. Contractors and agency staff have the same rights to a safe workplace. See Contractor injury claims and Agency worker claims.
What if multiple companies were involved?
Responsibility may be shared between site operators, crane hire companies and employers. A solicitor can advise who to bring a claim against.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will confirm your injuries and long-term impact. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- HSE: Crane safety and lifting operations - official guidance on safe lifting and crane hazards.
- HSE: LOLER regulations - legal requirements for lifting operations and lifting equipment.
- HSE: PUWER regulations - duties for safe provision and use of work equipment.
- HSE: Construction injury statistics - official figures on accidents and fatalities in construction, including lifting operations.
- NHS: Accidents and first aid - medical advice on immediate response after serious accidents.