New York Officials Speak Out After Queens Crane Accident
“Cranes and other construction work must be operated with safety as the predominant guide, not speed. Any future development should be done in a way as to maximize concern for people’s safety,” said NY State Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) in speaking out against a crane accident that happened a few weeks ago in Queens.
The accident has garnered serious attention as the investigation into the cause continues.
According to the Queens Chronicle, officials initially said the crane was lifting a load two times heavier than the recommended limit. This, they say, caused the huge machine to come tumbling down, injuring seven workers on the site.
Three workers were trapped underneath the crane when the collapse occurred at the TF Cornerstone construction site, behind the iconic Pepsi sign overlooking Long Island City.
A spokesperson for the development said, “Site safety is always our first priority as it relates to construction, and we are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities to try and determine what caused this occurrence.”
The crane operator in question has had his operating license suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The preliminary investigation also shows that the operator was unable to see the materials being lifted and was attempting to lift those materials outside of the approved loading zone,” said Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri.
Sen. Gianaris suggests that speed should not overtake safety as a top priority on these worksites. “While the ongoing development of western Queens is great for job growth and the local economy, all development projects must be done responsibly.”
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer echoes his sentiments, “I think what we have to do is make sure whatever pressure exists in terms of desire to complete projects in a timely and on budget manner, that safety is not compromised in any way to reach those understandable goals.”
Frequently, project timelines are used to rush workers. When you work in construction, you can see the rush to meet a deadline move down through the ranks. When you are told to hurry up and do whatever’s necessary to get a job done, it can seem like project managers care more about a timely resolution than a safe one.
The construction accident attorneys with Ginarte know that you work in a risky field. But that doesn’t mean you should be held responsible when you are hurt in an accident that isn’t your fault. If you are injured in a New York or New Jersey construction accident, contact our offices today to discuss your case. Our attorneys can be reached at (888) GINARTE.
