A few weeks ago, two Texas construction workers were killed when a crane collapsed on the campus of UT-Dallas. The crane was being dismantled at the time of the construction site accident, and the workers were on top of an unfinished building. According to witnesses, screams were heard as the accident occurred.
Though the accident occurred in Dallas, there are lessons to be learned from this particular tragedy that apply to nearly all locations. Crane work is dangerous work. And crane accidents are frequently tragic.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
Moving large, heavy loads is crucial to today’s manufacturing and construction industries. Much technology has been developed for these operations, including careful training and extensive workplace precautions. There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for the operators of the diverse “lifting” devices, and for workers in proximity to them. This page is a starting point for finding information about these devices, including elevators and conveyors, and their operation.
Hazard: Significant and serious injuries may occur if cranes are not inspected before use and if they are not used properly. Often these injuries occur when a worker is struck by an overhead load or caught within the crane’s swing radius. Many crane fatalities occur when the boom of a crane or its load line contact an overhead power line.
They offer the following safety tips:
- Check all crane controls to insure proper operation before use.
- Inspect wire rope, chains and hook for any damage.
- Know the weight of the load that the crane is to lift.
- Ensure that the load does not exceed the crane’s rated capacity.
- Raise the load a few inches to verify balance and the effectiveness of the brake system.
- Check all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist ropes or chains around the load.
- Fully extend outriggers.
- Do not move a load over workers.
- Barricade accessible areas within the crane’s swing radius.
- Watch for overhead electrical distribution and transmission lines and maintain a safe working clearance of at least 10 feet from energized electrical lines.
Working with heavy loads presents risks. When your employer doesn’t maintain safe equipment or when a coworker isn’t properly trained, it puts everyone at risk.
About Kevin Krist, Personal Injury Attorney
In the Houston, Pasadena, and League City areas, construction is always underway. And at each construction site, there are risks. Workplace accidents like these can forever change your life. Fortunately, if you are hurt on the job, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Contact me today to discuss your case and how I might be able to help. Call (281) 677-3958 now.
