There was a crane accident in Norwood, Massachusetts on March 15, 2024. According to reports, a boom truck tipped over and collapsed onto an apartment complex. At the time, there were roof repairs being conducted at the building. It is unclear if anyone was injured in this accident.
The risk of boom trucks collapsing while working is a grave concern in construction, utility work, and various industries where these vehicles are utilized for lifting and moving heavy loads. These incidents often result from equipment malfunction, operator error, or inadequate maintenance. Boom trucks, with their extendable arms that can reach significant heights and carry substantial weights, are inherently susceptible to tipping or collapsing if not operated within their specified load limits or if used on uneven or unstable ground. The consequences of such collapses can be dire, including severe injury or death to operators and bystanders, substantial property damage, and significant project delays. Furthermore, collapses can lead to costly legal and financial ramifications for the companies involved, alongside the potential loss of reputation and trust within the industry.
To mitigate the risks associated with boom trucks, it is crucial to adhere to stringent safety protocols and training. This includes regular, comprehensive inspections of the boom truck to identify and rectify any mechanical issues or wear and tear that could compromise the equipment’s integrity. Operator training is paramount; those in control of boom trucks must be thoroughly trained in their operation, understanding the limits of the equipment and the importance of environmental assessment before deployment. Moreover, employing technologies such as load management systems can help prevent overloading, and using outriggers can stabilize the truck during operations. Despite these measures, the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of job sites where boom trucks are used means that constant vigilance, a commitment to safety, and a culture of continuous improvement are essential to minimizing the risk of collapses.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving cranes. A barge crane toppled into the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Stream, Florida on October 25, 2023. A shipping container fell onto a worker after chains broke during a crane accident in Moundville, Alabama on November 22, 2023. A boom truck collapsed in New York City, New York on January 9, 2024. There was a crane accident in El Paso, Texas on January 26, 2024.
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.
Our experienced lawyers have handled personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits of all kinds and have the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of a crane accident. The experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident involving a crane.
Our lawyers have represented numerous workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries on a job site as a result of the negligence of another party. Our experienced attorneys have previously been involved in numerous lawsuits involving cranes. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.