The number and severity of crane accidents in New York have alarmed workers, policymakers and federal authorities over the past decade. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration was called to investigate yet another crane accident, this one at a construction site in the middle of the downtown business and entertainment district of Saratoga Springs. Amazingly, no one was injured when the crane fell over, the Wall Street Journal reported. The construction company responsible for the crane claimed that a lever malfunction caused the crane to tip over.
Causes of Accidents
New York put new regulations into effect last year to cover licensing of crane operators. The rules were a direct response to several deadly crane collapses in New York over the last few years. The rules require a crane operator to have a significant amount of experience and training before being licensed. However, crane accidents continue, often because of:
- Defects in the manufacture of the crane itself
- Failure to properly maintain or repair the crane
- Operator inattention
- Failure to follow load requirements
- Failure of the contractor to follow OSHA safety regulations governing the operation of the crane
Anyone who works on a construction site where a crane is being used should be especially vigilant about safety rules.
If you have been injured as a result of a New York crane accident, or any other type of construction site accident, you could be entitled to third-party compensation in lieu of, or in addition to, workers’ compensation. The New York / New Jersey construction injury attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., can help you determine your legal options for compensation. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area including a new office in Queens, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today at 888-446-2783 or use our online contact form.