What causes 60% of crane tip-over accidents?

• A. Improper Setup
• B. Operator Error
• C. Rough Weather
• D. Equipment Failure

Answer: (A)

The setup you start with governs the crane’s stability. If the crane isn’t placed on a solid, level base with properly extended and supported outriggers, the footprint is reduced and the center of gravity shifts unfavorably as soon as a lift begins. This makes the crane far more prone to tipping, even with what seems like a manageable load. That’s why improper setup accounts for such a large share of tip‑over accidents—the base conditions directly control stability.

Think of it as building a stable foundation before lifting: confirm ground bearing, level the crane, extend outriggers fully, use mats or cribbing on soft or uneven ground, and ensure the load is within the chart for the given boom angle and radius. When you get these steps right, the crane remains within its stability limits during the lift.

Operator error, rough weather, and equipment failure can contribute to incidents, but they don’t align with the high percentage that improper setup explains.