There was a crane accident in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 24, 2024. According to reports, a crane collapsed during construction at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The crane landed on a storage container at the project. It is unknown if any workers were injured as a result. The incident remains under investigation.
Crane collapses on construction sites are catastrophic events that can result in severe injury, loss of life, and significant property damage. Several factors can contribute to a crane falling over, including improper setup, mechanical failure, and environmental influences.
One primary cause of crane accidents is improper setup and stabilization. Cranes must be assembled and operated according to precise specifications, with a stable base and appropriate counterweights. Errors in calculating the load capacity or misjudging the weight and distribution of the load can lead to tipping incidents. Additionally, if the crane is set up on unstable ground or the outriggers are not properly extended and secured, the risk of toppling increases. These miscalculations often stem from human error, underscoring the importance of rigorous training and adherence to safety protocols during crane operation.
Mechanical failure is another significant factor in crane collapses. Components such as the boom, cables, and pulley systems must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent malfunction. Wear and tear on these critical parts can compromise the crane’s structural integrity. For example, a snapped cable or a hydraulic failure can cause sudden uncontrolled movements or a complete collapse of the crane. Moreover, environmental factors like high winds, storms, or seismic activity can push a crane beyond its operational limits. Cranes are particularly susceptible to strong winds, which can sway the load and cause the crane to become unbalanced. Operators should be acutely aware of weather conditions and employ anemometers to measure wind speeds, ensuring they cease operations when conditions become too hazardous.
By addressing these key areas—ensuring proper crane setup, maintaining mechanical integrity, and monitoring environmental conditions—construction projects can significantly mitigate the risks associated with crane operations. Regular training sessions, strict adherence to safety standards, and the use of technology to monitor crane stability are essential strategies for preventing crane collapses on construction sites.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving cranes. A crane toppled over while performing work in the Interstate 35 median in Bexar County, Texas on April 1, 2024. A portion of a crane on a high-rise construction project fell while the crane was stepping to increase its height in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 4, 2024. The boom of a crane collapsed at the Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas on April 12, 2024. A crane collapsed at the Venture Global LNG contstruction project in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana on April 16, 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.