There was a boom lift accident in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 6, 2024. According to reports, a boom lift fell over landing on top of a van. Three people on the lift were thrown 30 feet onto the ground. At least one of the workers is reported to have been killed, with two injured. Additional details have not yet been released. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this incident.
A boom lift can fall over for a variety of reasons, often due to improper setup or misuse. One of the most common causes is unstable ground conditions. Boom lifts require solid, level ground to maintain their balance, especially when the boom is fully extended. If the lift is set up on soft, uneven, or sloped terrain, it increases the risk of tipping over. As the boom is extended higher, the center of gravity shifts, and any instability in the base becomes more dangerous. Operators must ensure that the ground is firm and level and, when necessary, use outrigger pads or cribbing to stabilize the machine.
Overloading the lift is another significant factor that can lead to a boom lift tipping over. Each boom lift has a maximum weight capacity that must not be exceeded. This limit includes not just the weight of the operator but also any tools, equipment, or materials being carried. Overloading the platform can cause the boom to become unbalanced, particularly if the weight is not evenly distributed. When the boom is extended or maneuvered, the excess weight can shift the center of gravity too far, causing the lift to tip over.
Wind and weather conditions can also play a critical role in causing a boom lift to fall over. High winds, especially when the boom is extended to its maximum height, can exert pressure on the lift and destabilize it. Most boom lifts are designed with a maximum allowable wind speed, beyond which it is unsafe to operate. Ignoring these limitations, particularly in open or exposed areas, can result in the lift being blown over by strong gusts. Additionally, working in rainy or icy conditions can make the ground slippery, increasing the risk of the lift sliding or tipping over.
Finally, operator error or misuse of the lift can lead to it falling over. Maneuvering the boom too quickly or at awkward angles, especially while fully extended, can destabilize the machine. Driving the lift while the boom is raised, particularly on uneven or sloping ground, also increases the likelihood of tipping. Proper training and adherence to manufacturer guidelines are essential for preventing accidents, as many falls occur due to inexperience or lack of awareness of the lift’s operational limits.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving cranes. There was a crane accident in Centralia, Illinois on May 30, 2024. A portion of a crane fell well being assembled in Waite Park, Minnesota on July 23, 2024. There was a deadly crane accident in Paradise Valley, Arizona on July 29, 2024. A truck boom collapsed in Brooklyn, New York on August 1, 2024. There was a crane collapse from a barge in Savannah, Georgia on August 26, 2024. There was a crane collapse on a residential project in Little River, South Carolina on September 3, 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.