What is a major cause of over half of all mobile crane accidents?

A major cause of over half of all mobile crane accidents is often attributed to unskilled work performed when the crane is assembled. The proper assembly and setup of a mobile crane are critical to its safe operation. If personnel lack the necessary skills and knowledge, they may fail to follow correct protocols, which can lead to instability or improper functioning of the crane.

This emphasizes the importance of having trained and experienced operators who understand how to handle the equipment safely. Specifically, they need to be aware of the manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and the proper procedures for inspecting and operating the crane. Without sufficient expertise, the risks of accidents increase significantly, as operators might overlook critical safety checks or make errors in the assembly process that compromise the crane's integrity during operation.

While excessive load capacities, equipment failure, and inadequate training are also factors that can contribute to crane accidents, the correct answer highlights a very specific area where human error, due to a lack of skill, can lead to disastrous outcomes. This underscores the essential requirement for practical knowledge and hands-on experience in crane operations.