Construction Accidents Suggest the Bar on Safety Has to be Raised

May 30, 2008

New York, NY - The collapse of yet another construction crane in New York City on May 30th, killing two construction workers, is a sign that those entrusted with safe practices have more to worry about than ensuring a safe, and secure work site.

Especially if that construction activity is taking place within a heavily populated area.

Lastest Construction Crane Accident Takes Two Lives

In Friday's tragedy, a construction crane—specifically the cab and the boom—separated from the crane tower at the rotator plate and fell 23 stories to the ground below. The crane operator, trapped in the cab, together with another construction worker died in the mishap.
However, it could have been much worse. The doomed crane toppled onto part of a multi-unit apartment building, damaging numerous apartments and wiping out some units on the upper floors completely. It was a miracle that no else was killed. Such was not the case in March, when seven people lost their lives when another construction crane toppled from high above during a process known as 'jumping,' which is the raising of the crane tower to a higher level by way of the addition of new sections.
It is not enough for construction companies to erect scaffolding and plywood barriers in an effort to shield pedestrians and passersby from falling nails or other debris. A good piece of plywood might shield a pedestrian from an inadvertently dropped hammer. But it will not stop a multi-ton crane that falls multiple stories to the ground below, an imposing behemoth dropping onto the heads of unsuspecting citizens simply going about their daily routine.

Dangers of Construction Accidents in a City

In a perfect world, construction sites would be well off the beaten path, and away from public areas. In new subdivisions the closest a citizen might get to a construction zone would be driving down a mud-caked road, picking out their new home from the comfort and safety of their car.

But in a busy metropolitan city, where infill is the norm and old buildings are replaced by new structures in existing neighborhoods, construction must co-exist with daily commerce and everyday life. Not only do construction sites need to be secure, and equipment carefully maintained for the safety of those working on site, but also for the well being of citizens who are walking, driving, jogging or simply standing just below all that activity.

Construction Accident Being Investigated

The investigation into Friday's construction crane accident is ongoing. However, a second accident in as many months, following so close on the heels of beefed-up inspections, is a stark reminder that something is still seriously wrong. Residents of major cities should not live in fear that a construction crane is going to fall on top of them at any moment, or that an old building under renovation might cost them their health, or their life due to asbestos fibers that were allowed to escape into the street, or into your pathway as you walk by.
Ultimately, any cutting of corners to reduce costs or speed up the work only pushes the safety envelope. Beyond the tragedy that often occurs as a result, is the response that evolves from such dereliction of duty and responsibility.
That response suggests that when the ball—or a crane—is dropped in such fashion, the bounce is rightly lobbed into a court of law.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

When you need a lawyer who will exhaustively investigate your case and make sure that every responsible party is held accountable, contact The Killino Firm, where Keeping America Safe is our primary goal. Contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer or call us toll free at 800-815-2603 to speak to one of our attorneys directly. We will respond promptly to your inquiry so that you can experience The Killino Firm Difference.

Reporting personal injury law news.