There was a crane accident in Colorado Springs, Colorado on November 3, 2024. According to reports, a boom lift struck a power pole during work on Sunday. The crane made contact with the power lines, resulting in sparks flying. Witnesses indicate that wind at the time was significant, potentially 30 miles per hour. The Fire Department was able to rescue the worker who was trapped in the lift. Additional details have not yet been released..
The accident highlights the inherent risks of operating heavy machinery near power infrastructure and in less-than-ideal weather conditions. According to early witness reports, the wind played a significant role in the accident, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Such high winds can easily destabilize crane equipment, particularly when lifts or booms are extended. Operating cranes in windy conditions can be exceptionally challenging, as even moderate gusts can push the machinery off course or affect the balance of the equipment. These conditions are believed to have contributed to the crane’s accidental strike on the power pole, though the full cause remains under investigation by local authorities.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with construction work and the strict precautions necessary when using cranes and other heavy equipment near power sources. Cranes making contact with power lines not only endangers the lives of the operators but also creates hazards for the surrounding area, including the risk of electrical fires. This incident may prompt further examination of safety protocols for crane operations in windy conditions, particularly in areas where power lines are present.
As of now, additional details regarding the accident, including the identity of the worker and the specific nature of the construction project, have not been disclosed. Investigators are likely examining factors such as equipment integrity, weather conditions, and potential lapses in safety procedures. This accident highlights the importance of adhering to strict operational guidelines in variable weather and close to live electrical infrastructure, reinforcing the need for ongoing training and vigilance in high-risk construction activities.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving cranes. 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 accident 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.