You are here:
- Home
- Industry
- Construction Industry
- Construction Industry
- how could someone become entwined in a crane's arm and crushed?
Construction Industry/how could someone become entwined in a crane's arm and crushed?
Advertisement
Question
QUESTION: This happened to someone on a construction job site and I don't know what that means and how it could happen? Is it more likely to be operator error or a mechanical problem? Thanks
ANSWER: James,
Yes - very possible. And yes, it could be either an operator error or mechanical failure.
There are different types of cranes - hydraulic, cable, boom cranes, etc. Without details, I can't speculate on how the accident happened. My first inclination is that a worker may have been lubricating the cables or joints and the operator moved the wrong lever. The cranes boom does not move without operator controls. Also, OSHA automatically investigates all fatalities on construction sites. They would have the answer and your newspaper should follow-up on the story.
Safety First is MANDATORY on any construction site.
Roger
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: How long do you think to will take OSHA/Cal OSHA to complete their report?
James,
Keep in mind - OSHA is a federal government agency and the bureaucratic process is slow. I'm guessing - but allow at least 30 days and then followup every 15 days. They are usually quite prompt to visit the site of the accident or injury. In the case of a death, I'm sure the investigative process will be longer and more detailed.
Sorry - but I haven't had any OSHA type accidents on any of my projects so my experience is limited. Years ago OSHA would make surprise visits on jobs. This happened to me and I was fined for using extension cords that were too long, a frayed electrical cord on a tool and debris on the job. That taught me a lesson ($3000 fine) and I appointed a Safety Director with strict instructions regarding safety etc. It was worth it.
Unfortunately, it takes a serious accident, injury or death to warrant practicing safety on the job. Being in a warm climate I find that many workers are reluctant to wear a hard hat, safety vest, safety boots and glasses. But have one injury and you become educated very quickly.
Roger
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Roger Zona
Expertise
I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.
Experience
After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.
Organizations
Previously - NAHA
Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)
Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column
Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column
Education/Credentials
Michigan State University
University of Detroit
BS in Engineering
Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family.
I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit.
I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision.
I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.