Large cranes are now a basic tool for high-rise construction. Over the last six months the United States has had several crane collapses. The latest occurred in Texas on 19 July 2008 and involved a mobile crane. The collapse resulted in four deaths and injuries to seven workers. Fed-OSHA is investigating but as this is the latest in a run of collapses there is increased media attention.
According to the most recent media statement by the company that owned the crane, Deep South Crane & Rigging
“The Deep South Crane and Rigging Company experienced a tragic industrial accident yesterday in Houston, TX, that resulted in the death of four members of our company family. Our thoughts and prayers are focused on our deceased co-workers, their families and friends, and the extended Deep South Crane and Rigging family.
We wish we had all of the answers on what happened and why – but we do not – and speculating on cause would not resolve anything. But we are actively working to find those answers. We are fully engaged and cooperating with OSHA in their investigation of the accident. Our common goal is to identify the root cause, correct any issue that may be found, and ensure that this type of tragic accident does not occur again.”
According to one article:
“An Associated Press analysis in June found that cities and states have wildly varying rules governing construction cranes, and some have no regulations at all, choosing instead to rely on federal guidelines dating back nearly 40 years that some experts say have not kept up with technological advances.”
Video and audio reports on the incident are available through the links below. SafetyAtWorkBlog will be reporting on any new information about the investigations
Company representative – http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5896374.html
Crane investigations – http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=264952
Crane investigations/”competent person” – http://kut.org/items/show/13389