Were Crane Inspection Standards Followed in the NYC Crane Collapse?
Our Houston work accident attorneys point out that because of the exceptional hazards posed to workers and bystanders during the operation of heavy construction cranes, the federal government has promulgated rules in 29 CFR 1926.753(c)(1) requiring the inspection of these cranes, particularly in regard to the construction of steel-framed structures, prior to each work shift.
Yesterday n New York City, a 200-foot high mobile construction crane that had been set up over the weekend collapsed during the erection of the second story of a projected 25-story apartment building in Long Island City, Queens. The sudden collapse was heralded by the sound of snapping cables and crunching metal, giving some workers time to run for their lives. But 7 were injured, including 3 that got trapped beneath the fallen crane boom.
Given the crane’s collapse so soon after its assembly at the site, our Houston work accident attorneys believe that it could be that proper inspections were not conducted after the crane’s erection and prior to the start of Wednesday’s work shift. The crane’s boom collapsed, which might indicate particular negligence with regard to boom inspection procedures indicated below. Our Houston work accident attorneys present here the federal rules regarding the inspection of cranes prior to work shifts:
INSPECTION: before each shift, a competent person must visually inspect cranes being used in steel erection activities. The inspection must include observation for deficiencies during operation, including, at a minimum:
- All control mechanisms for maladjustments,
- Control and drive mechanism for excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants, water, or other foreign matter,
- Safety devices, including but not limited to: boom-angle indicators, boom stops, boom kick-out devices, anti-two block devices, and load moment indicators where required,
- Air, hydraulic, and other pressurized lines, especially those that flex during operation, for: deterioration, or leakage,
- Hooks and latches for deformation, chemical damage, cracks, or wear,
- Wire rope reeving for compliance with hoisting equipment manufacturer’s specifications,
- Electrical apparatus for: malfunctioning, signs of excessive deterioration, dirt, or moisture accumulation,
- Hydraulic system for proper fluid level,
- Tires for proper inflation and condition,
- Ground conditions around the hoisting equipment for: proper support, including ground settling under and around outriggers, ground water accumulation, or similar conditions,
- The hoisting equipment for level position, and
- The hoisting equipment for level position after each move and setup.
If any deficiency is identified, the competent person must make an immediate determination as to whether the deficiency constitutes a hazard. If the deficiency is determined to constitute a hazard, the hoisting equipment must be removed from service, until the deficiency has been corrected. A qualified rigger (a rigger who is also a qualified person) must inspect the rigging prior to each shift in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.251.
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