New York Crane Accident Claims Life of Construction Worker
On August 30, a construction worker who was operating a 35-ton crane died when the crane tipped over, causing him to be pinned underneath. He died during rescue efforts after being trapped under the crane for several hours.
The worker, whose name has not yet been released at the time of this writing, was employed by Gerace Construction, a Midland, Michigan firm conducting a project in Rochester, New York for Rochester Gas and Electric. It appears that as the operator was moving the crane across a spillway, the crane tipped into the Genesee River gorge, where the man operator remained trapped and eventually died just as rescuers began lifting the crane. See the following article online for an early report of the accident: Gerace Construction employee killed in N.Y. work accident.
Cranes are truly enormous machines – giants in an industry where large, heavy equipment and machinery are commonplace. Their size, weight, and complexity all combine to create many safety risks, with serious personal injury or wrongful death often the result. In fact, more than one out of every five construction fatalities involves a crane accident. Many hazards can be prevented by ensuring that careful planning and coordination go into every crane operation, with adequate safety procedures in place. It also important that not only the operator but all workers involved in the project be cognizant of crane dangers and trained in crane safety. Even with all precautions, however, some accidents may simply be unavoidable. See our firm’s page on Forklift and Crane Accidents for more information, or click here to review OSHA regulations covering helicopters, hoists, elevators, and conveyors.
Our hearts go out to the victim of the accident and his family and friends. A tragedy such as this is a devastating blow, and all our best wishes go toward comfort for the bereaved.
Contact an Experienced New York Construction and Crane Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a construction accident or crane accident, contact the law offices of Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. to speak with a qualified and experienced New York construction and crane accident lawyer.
