Crane Accidents In Miami Put Workers At Risk
Cranes are routinely used at local ports and on area construction sites to move heavy objects. Depending on the type, they can weigh up to 300 tons, with a boom length of nearly 200 feet. Despite their size, cranes are temporary structures that are built and taken down as needed. This and the manner in which they are used makes them a common cause of construction accidents in Miami. Find out more about how working with or around cranes can put workers at risk.
Miami Construction Company Cited For Fatal Crane Accident
A Miami construction company was recently cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for a crane accident in Fort Lauderdale that happened in 2022. According to a July 6, 2023 Miami Herald news report, the company is disputing a $60,000 fine for violations in a crane accident that left one worker dead and another with serious injuries.
The accident happened on a construction site on I-95. A 90-foot-long, 35,000-pound concrete pile broke free of its restraints after the crane supporting it shifted due to being constructed on an unstable surface. It struck the lift’s boom, causing two workers to fall to the road below. The construction company was cited for four serious violations:
- Failed to provide firm ground conditions and adequate support in constructing and using a crane;
- Failing to inspect the crane prior to use, which would have revealed cracks that posed major risks;
- Failure to conduct monthly inspected during pile driving operations;
- Using a crane with a modified swing control and other parts, creating additional risks.
Unfortunately, crane accidents in our area are common. According to an NBC Miami report, four workers were hospitalized after a crane accident in Del Ray Beach in June 2023.
Protecting Yourself Against Crane Accidents In Miami
Cranes are commonly used on construction sites in our area and are capable of lifting products and materials weighing up to 60,000 tons. They are part of the landscape at Port Miami, where they are used to unload cargo ships; the South Florida Business Journal’s crane map shows hundreds located throughout the city.
If you work anywhere on or near construction cranes, be aware of the risks. Ways in which accidents can be avoided include:
- The crane must be set up on a flat, stable service;
- Make sure all cables, pulleys, and joists are attached properly;
- Conduct routine inspections to ensure the crane is undamaged and works properly;
- Avoid using cranes in windy weather and during storms;
- Make sure you have the right type and size of crane for your task.
Contact Our Miami Construction Accident Lawyers
Incidents involving cranes are among the most common causes of construction accidents in Miami. At Pita Weber & Del Prado, we help injured victims and their families get compensation. To get the professional legal representation you need in filing a claim, call 305-670-2889 or contact our Miami personal injury lawyer online to request a consultation.
Sources:
miamiherald.com/news/business/article277056563.html
nbcmiami.com/news/local/4-workers-hospitalized-after-crane-collapses-at-delray-beach-construction-site/3045656/
bizjournals.com/southflorida/maps/crane-watch
