Crane Operator and Owner Cited in Latest New York Construction Accident

February 02, 2013

Crane operator and owner cited in latest New York construction accident

Lately it may seem like dangerous construction accidents such as crane collapses are an almost constant occurrence in New York City. Following the latest crane collapse, the crane operator and owner were cited by the New York City Department of Buildings for violations, and many hope increased regulations and enforcement will reduce the number of these perilous incidents.

New York City crane accidents

According to WABC News, there have been five serious crane accidents in New York in less than one year, and a serious crane incident occurs about once every 10 weeks. In February 2012, a crane cable broke at the World Trade Center, and in April a worker died after a crane collapsed on the West Side. Everyone recalls the danger and drama at the One57 building during Superstorm Sandy, when a broken crane arm dangled precariously from 90 stories high in winds estimated at up to 95 mph. In December 2012, a second worker passed away when a piece of industrial equipment fell off a crane, and yet another crane collapsed in Queens on January 9, 2013, injuring seven construction workers.

These accidents demonstrate the dangerous working conditions construction workers encounter every day. Construction accidents can cause many different injuries, including:
-Broken bones
-Hand, wrist and arm injuries
-Back injuries
-Head injuries
-Burns and electrocutions

Companies cited after crane collapse

In the January crane accident, a 170-foot-long boom collapsed and fell on a construction site, trapping three workers and sending others running. Although seven workers suffered broken bones and other injuries, fortunately no one was fatally hurt.

After investigating the incident, the Buildings Department fined the crane owner and contractor for five violations, including attempting to use the crane to lift more than twice its capacity and failing to properly inspect the equipment. The project developer and a site safety manager were also cited for violations, reports the Associated Press.

The AP also reports that the crane owner was involved in a deadly crane collapse in New York in 2008. Manslaughter charges were filed against the crane owner after the incident, but he was acquitted.

That incident and a second fatal crane collapse in 2008 prompted New York City officials to institute new safety measures such as stricter licensing requirements and expanded inspection checklists. Despite these added safeguards, however, crane collapses and other construction accidents continue to occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, contact a New York City construction accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Article provided by Mark Halberstam, Esq., Attorney at Law
Visit us at http://www.halberstamlaw.com