Concrete Boom InsuranceDid you know that tip-over injuries and deaths are quite common claims for concrete boom insurance? Incidents may not make the new as often but these are known fact in the construction business. The gruesome thing about handling huge vehicles with attached elements, like concrete boom trucks, is that they require utmost balance and stability to prevent risks of tipping over. Think about a child being crushed by a TV or furniture, and multiply that 100x more with the weight these construction power vehicles possess. Needless to say, tipping over incidents is any contractor should be aware of. It also makes sense to learn more about its likely causes and reasons behind such occurrences, so appropriate accident prevention and safe work practices be created.

Understanding Tip-Over Accidents

Although it is virtually impossible to even to the most vigilant contractors to prevent every tip-over accident, it is imperative to learn what usually causes the said incidents in the first place. According to risk managers for concrete boom insurance, knowing the likely causes allow a contractor and its Safety Officer to get down to the root of the problem and make necessary provisions to prevent it from happening again. Some of the most common likely causes of concrete boom accidents are:

  • Deficient cribbing on the ground
  • Ground or soil’s poor compact condition
  • Miscalculating soil or ground condition
  • Voids (natural or man-made) and concealed voids
  • Washouts
  • Set up is too close to the backfilled or excavated area

Setting the concrete boom pump’s outriggers is the most crucial aspect of an operator’s job. Manufacturers of this equipment have a huge responsibility at hand as one wrong deviation from the manufacturer’s recommended procedure can lead to serious complications resulting in serious injuries or fatalities among construction workers exposed to the heavy equipment. Contractors and their operators must always be kept aware of this potential danger. When unfolded and extended beyond the outriggers, a concrete boom can easily place the entire operation in jeopardy when procedures are chaotically done.

Safety Precaution

It is no wonder why insurers who offer concrete boom insurance policy to their members often, roll-out risks of human error particularly in setting outriggers and cribbing as well as in the training of operators. According to safety standards, outriggers must be positioned on leveled soil. Uneven set-up will only cause undue strain to the outrigger leg. Bridging a hole, on one hand, in the cribbing may also make the soil give way. Putting the exact number of cribbing support that ensures balance, stability, and hold on the ground will help prevent problems from cropping up. Cribbing rule: more is always better and the stronger the material used always means the better in terms of the hold.

Another important but frequently taken for granted aspect in concrete boom operation is the re-training of all workers in the pumping job chain. While these people may have gained experience in their previous jobs, it is imperative to always update their knowledge and skills with current technology, safety requirements, and loss prevention. Wearing of personal protective equipment must also be inculcated in their mind. In a way, keeping each and every person in the chain of command to operate the equipment must exercise extra vigilance in everything they do.

The bottom line is: accidents can still happen even with the best safe work practices in place. And this is where concrete boom insurance coverage comes in. Keep your business on the positive side by not allowing hazards to become accidents. Even when you are not on the wrong, one life lost is too many. Keep safe!