As reported after the incident, the developer claimed that it wasn’t an accident. This is the definition of the word;
an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
Seems the canary is singing a different tune today;
Following a 200-foot crane collapse at The Steel District in downtown Sioux Falls, the project is back on track, according to Lloyd Companies.
“The front counterweight separated from the crane and we had the crane tipped over, fortunately, that’s all that really came of it. (There was) very little damage to any precast,” Lloyd Company’s Chief Operating Officer Jake Quasney said. “As you can see now, the building is moving right along.”
As I mentioned before OSHA doesn’t show up to a work site to investigate NOTHING or to be CAUTIONARY. On top of that one of OSHA’s main duties is inspecting cranes before they can be used on a work site;
Companies, supervisors, and workers may not be fully aware of the hazards of operating cranes. As a result, they may not have implemented proper policies and procedures to minimize risks. One mechanism to safely evaluate and prepare for risks is through the use of a Job Safety Analysis (“JSA”) or Risk Assessment, which is standard in the industry. When this does not occur, it can result in catastrophic personal injury or death. In a JSA, each step of the job is examined to identify potential hazards and to recommend the safest way to perform the work in order to minimize those risks. According to OSHA:
A job hazard analysis is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.
Folks, this appears to be an accident caused by mechanical failure. I await the results of the OSHA report.
For the Denty Huether had the crane extended to full height with a flag on top. His narcissism was showing. It was 70’ into navigable airspace for the main runway at the airport. It’s a 250k FAA fine. I was nice and emailed the city attorney. It was half height the next day. Cranes must never be fully extended. They lose their structural integrity and can fall over. I’m not sure what happened this time but I suggest crane operators get familiar with their equipment.
Federal agencies such as OSHA and the FBI don’t come here. It’s a Fly Over State.
Don’t you hate it when people extend their cranes around here? What show-offs. AND, we still have a FAA? Personally, I’m still waiting for Great Shots to bag a plane.
( …. “Say, Uncle Louie, can we please go out to the airport and see that small prop plane which is perilously clinging onto that massive web?”…. )
On my job sites (County, state and federal highways around the country) we have a JSA meeting with all crew at the start of EVERY DAY. That is standard industry practice.
Ruf, in your professional opinion, how or why would a counter weight separate from the crane?