Another NYC Crane Collapse
The second crane accident in one month happened recently in Hell’s Kitchen. A crane was being used to lift heavy air conditioning units when it collapsed. While no one was injured, the potential for injury was great and the accident offered another look at the importance of crane safety.
According to the NY Daily News, the accident happened at 438 W. 38th Street in Manhattan. The crane was lifting the heavy air conditioners from a flatbed truck. As it went to lift one, the boom gave way, sending the crane crashing down onto the truck.
From photos of the scene, it appears the crane was in the alley and the truck was parked on the street. When it fell, the truck prevented the crane from getting near traffic, and therefore avoided any serious injury.
Workers said they stopped pedestrian traffic near the truck while the crane was operating, to ensure the safety of the public. This simple step may have saved a life.
The NYC Department of Buildings is investigating the accident, which marks the second this month, after Sandy sent one crane dangling over the street in Midtown.
Lately it seems, crane accidents have been very common in the city. It isn’t clear why this is, but could be due to a number of factors.
Perhaps the cranes in operation are all manufactured around the same time and in need of maintenance or new parts. Perhaps, however, the companies tasked with maintaining them simply aren’t doing their jobs. This, no doubt, is something for OSHA and the Dept. of Buildings to determine.
Fortunately, neither crane accident this month killed anyone, as is common with crane accidents in the city. These hulking pieces of construction equipment can prove fatal when they malfunction.
Crane safety is important on any construction site. Heavy equipment produces risks that aren’t otherwise there. Whether standing near a crane or operating one, when it malfunctions, you could be seriously injured or even killed.
When an accident like this happens and it results in injury, workers can be entitled to compensation for all of the negative repercussions of the accident. In other words, they could receive money for their injuries and costs.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site due to faulty equipment, contact our New York and New Jersey workplace accident attorneys for a free consultation.
