Which of the following could result from improperly fitting boom pins?

Improperly fitting boom pins can directly lead to accidental injury due to their crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the crane’s boom. When boom pins do not fit properly, they can cause the boom to become unstable or dislodged during operation. This instability can result in the boom collapsing or moving unexpectedly, putting operators and nearby personnel at serious risk of injury.

Furthermore, properly fitted boom pins are essential for ensuring that the load is balanced and that the crane operates within its safe working limits. If the pins are not secure, the crane may not function as intended, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

In contrast, while other options such as reduced accessibility and material wastage may be relevant to crane operations in general, they do not directly connect to the immediate dangers posed by incorrectly fitting boom pins. Crane malfunction, while potentially linked to boom pin issues, doesn't inherently imply immediate injury to personnel unless the incorrect fitting leads to an operational failure during use. Therefore, the most relevant and immediate concern arising from improperly fitted boom pins is the risk of accidental injury.