Crane accidents are among the most alarming and devastating incidents, with the potential to cause significant damage and injury. The towering structures, integral for hoisting heavy materials, bring about considerable risks when mishaps occur. The year 2022 witnessed a series of notable crane collapses, each presenting unique challenges and imparting valuable lessons. The diverse causes behind these accidents, ranging from sudden mechanical failures to unforeseen circumstances, resulted in substantial disruptions, property damage, and injuries. Gaining insights into these incidents is imperative for the construction industry, fostering the adoption of enhanced safety measures with the goal of making such accidents increasingly infrequent in the future.
Construction Crane Accident in Kraków, Poland
On February 17, a construction crane collapse occurred on Domagały Street in Kraków, Poland, resulting in severe destruction of the worksite and multiple serious injuries. The incident was attributed to strong winds in the area, which led to the crane overturning and causing significant damage.
The crane operator required emergency resuscitation, and several other individuals sustained head injuries due to the collapse. The Kraków fire department, led by Chief Bartłomiej Rosiek, responded to the incident, with eight fire brigades operating on the spot to manage the dynamic and challenging situation.
Video footage and images shared on social media captured the moment of the crane's collapse and the shocking aftermath of the event. Due to the severity of the damage and the number of people injured, additional fire crews joined the rescue efforts.
Sebastian Woźniak, spokesman for the Małopolska fire brigade, reported that two individuals were severely injured, with seven firefighters on site to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts.
This incident in Kraków serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by environmental factors such as strong winds in construction sites and emphasizes the need for rigorous safety protocols to protect workers and prevent such accidents.
Crane Incident at School in Celina, TX
A tragic crane incident occurred on March 3, at Dan Christie Elementary, an under-construction school located in the Sutton Fields development in Celina, resulting in the death of one worker and injury to another. The accident happened around 2 p.m., as reported by Celina Mayor Sean Terry, who also expressed his condolences and called for prayers for the families involved.
Pogue Construction, the company overseeing the construction, released a statement expressing their condolences and emphasizing that safety is their paramount concern. They are actively participating in the investigation to uncover the details of the accident.
The extent of the injuries of the second individual involved remains unknown. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), along with the Celina Police Department, has taken over the investigation to determine the cause of the incident. The area around the construction site has been secured, and the public has been advised to avoid the site during the ongoing investigation.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and protocols in construction sites to prevent such tragic occurrences and ensure the well-being of all workers involved.
Overseas Crane Accident in Singapore
On August 22, 2022, a serious crane accident occurred at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, resulting in one man missing and feared drowned, and injuries to four others. The incident involved a rail-mounted dockside crane working from a concrete pier alongside the Prosperity FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) vessel, which was undergoing installation of its topside modules.
The accident unfolded halfway through Monday morning when the pier under the crane unexpectedly collapsed. This caused the crane to tilt suddenly onto the rig, and the dynamic impact of the collision resulted in the buckling and breaking of the boom over the vessel.
The missing individual, a 38-year-old employee of Kumarann Marine, was on the pier at the time of the collapse, along with a 40-year-old colleague who was rescued. Two men, aged 31 and 40, were hospitalized, while two others, aged 29 and 48, received on-site treatment for minor injuries.
Keppel Shipyard released a statement confirming the incident and emphasizing their commitment to worker safety. They are working closely with authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the collapse.
This incident at Keppel Shipyard serves as a reminder of the risks associated with crane operations and the importance of stringent safety measures to protect the lives of workers.
Crane Collapse in Oklahoma
On September 24, a crane incident occurred in downtown Oklahoma City, where a crane collided with the building housing The Oklahoman's headquarters at 100 W Main St. The incident led to road closures around the area but, fortunately, resulted in no major injuries.
City authorities responded promptly at around 3 p.m. to emergency calls reporting the crane's fall onto the building. The building was evacuated, and nearby routes at West Sheridan and Robinson avenues were closed for safety reasons. Chief Sean Cobb of the Oklahoma City Fire Department explained that the incident occurred while construction workers were moving a large JumboTron display screen. The crane, possibly belonging to TNT Crane & Rigging, Inc., tilted and impacted the corner of the building.
The crane operator sustained mild injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The authorities worked diligently to identify the agency responsible for the crane and manage the situation. Additional cranes were brought in to move the collapsed machine, and officers remained on site for traffic control.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and careful operation of heavy machinery in urban environments to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of both workers and the public.
Crane Collapse in Fort Lauderdale
On December 5, 2022, a tragic crane collapse occurred in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during a major infrastructure project along the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 between Sunrise and Broward. The incident led to the unfortunate death of a worker, Joseph Bien Aime, 46, and serious injuries to another 52-year-old worker.
The workers were part of a team expanding a bridge as part of a $153 million, 6.7-mile Florida Department of Transportation project, under the management of the de Moya Group, a company specializing in major infrastructure projects.
The accident unfolded around 11:45 a.m., causing significant disruptions and traffic gridlock along I-95. According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan, the ground beneath the crane gave way, leading to a shift in the crane and resulting in the fall of a 90-foot-long, 18- by 18-inch concrete pile weighing 35,000 pounds. This shift caused the concrete pile to break free of its restraints and strike a JLG lift's boom, leading to the fall of the two carpenters onto the road below.
Joseph Bien Aime, a father of two daughters, did not survive the incident, and his co-worker endured a month-long hospitalization due to extensive leg injuries.
The incident was attributed to a combination of factors, including unstable ground conditions, the use of a crane with modified controls, and a lack of regular inspections on the crane. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety practices to prevent such incidents and ensure the well-being of workers.
The Importance of Quality Crane Training
The occurrence of a series of crane accidents in 2022 highlights the vital necessity for thorough training and stringent safety protocols within the construction industry. Cranes, while essential to contemporary construction, come with inherent risks. However, these risks can be substantially reduced through meticulous training and compliance with industry best practices.
Quality crane training extends beyond merely operating the machinery. It involves a deep understanding of the equipment's limitations, identifying potential hazards, and making informed decisions in high-pressure situations. Adequate training can mean the difference between an ordinary day on the construction site and a disastrous incident.
AP Crane Safety Training understands the significance of this duty. Committed to excellence and safety, they provide specialized classes and training sessions designed to endow individuals with the essential knowledge and skills for safe crane operation. Ensuring every crane operator is proficiently trained is not only a regulatory mandate but also a moral commitment to the operator, their coworkers, and the general public.
Don't wait for another incident to emphasize the need for safety. Contact AP Crane Safety Training now and invest in top-tier training. Guarantee that you, or your team, possess the knowledge to avert future accidents and foster a safer construction atmosphere.
