Crane Collapse Kills 1, Injures 3
Those who operate heavy equipment need to be careful. It is important to operate these tractors and cranes in accordance with the law as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Otherwise, the equipment can overturn, causing serious injuries and fatalities.
Sadly, this recently happened in Fort Lauderdale. A worker was killed and three others were injured while “stepping the crane,” causing the crane to collapse. The fatal accident happened on the afternoon of April 4.
The accident happened during rush hour on the SE 3rd Avenue bridge as construction crews worked on a high rise. While a worker was using a crane, a large section of it fell hundreds of feet onto a drawbridge while there was active traffic below. The crane then hit a vehicle, bounced off and hit the bridge. The crane landed on a second vehicle.
It was determined that the crane itself did not experience a failure. Instead, it was a platform holding the crane that had failed. This caused the items from the platform to fall onto the bridge.
The workers were “stepping the crane.” The stepping process involves adding a section to increase the crane’s height. In this case, the section came loose and fell while the crane itself remained secured to the building.
One construction worker was killed in the accident. He was a 27-year-old man originally from Georgia. The man had fallen with the load off the side of the building, which was under construction. The man died from his injuries.
Three people were injured, with all occupants of the struck vehicles. One was taken to a local hospital in stable condition. Two others suffered minor injuries.
A man was driving a Tesla when it was crushed by the crane. He said he felt as if “something was coming.” That was when he slammed on his brakes and a huge piece of blue steel fell onto his car. In shock, he got out of his vehicle and suffered significant front-end damage. However, he is grateful to still be alive after the incident.
The impact of the crane caused a hole in the drawbridge. The Florida Department of Transportation inspected the hole and reopened the drawbridge after rush hour on April 5.
The accident is under investigation, OSHA is investigating Phoenix Rigging & Erecting, Kast Construction and Maxim Crane Works, which are the construction companies involved. Kast Construction, located in West Palm Beach, received an OSHA citation and fine in July 2023 for not providing fall protection for workers.
Contact a Personal Injury Today
Construction sites are dangerous places. Construction companies and workers need to be mindful of possible hazards and ensure they operate equipment safely.
Injured in the workplace? Get the help you need from a Tampa construction accident attorney from Moore Law. We can assist you if you or a loved one has been injured or killed. We’ll help you get full and fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation with our office today by filling out the online form or calling 813-510-5400.
Source:
equipmentworld.com/regulations/safety-compliance/article/15668131/construction-worker-killed-in-fort-lauderdale-crane-collapse
