Crane Boom Breaks in East Village
Cranes can be seen around the city lifting materials at construction sites. Without cranes, building construction would be dramatically slower. However, these cranes are also dangerous. Not only can cranes collapse, but as was recently reported by CBS New York, they can drop heavy loads that damage buildings and possibly injure people.
The most recent accident occurred July 30 at 2:45 on at 749 FDR Drove at East 6th Street, which is part of the Jacob Riis Houses. According to FDNY Deputy Chief Kevin Brennan, the crane was carrying some construction material to the roof of the building when the boom snapped in half. Debris fell onto the nearby building, causing superficial damage, though some air conditioning units were dislodged from the windows.
Fortunately, no one was hurt by this latest crane accident. City inspectors, however, evacuated two buildings so that they could check whether there was any structural damage.
A Company with a History of Problems
According to The Real Deal, the city has halted 20 construction projects around the city that are being managed by the same company that operated the crane that broke in the East Village. United Crane and Rigging, which is based in Long Island City, was also responsible for a fatal accident in April 2019 that left one construction worker dead and another injured.
According to inspectors from the Department of Buildings (DOB), the crane boom broke in the East Village on July 30 because the operator was trying to lift a load that weighed over 4,400 pounds when the maximum lifting capacity for the machine is 3,700 pounds. As a result, the crane boom broke in half, and the material rained down on the building.
The Department of Buildings has halted the work involving United Rigging until they replace key personnel—their engineer of record, lift director, master rigger, and others. The Department of Buildings is also requiring that the company hire an independent monitor who will file monthly safety compliance reports.
DOB did not stop there. They have also levied over $110,000 in fines for failing to designate a competent and qualified lift director, failing to make proper notifications to DOB, and other safety lapses.
Were You Injured?
Cranes are large, heavy pieces of machinery, and when something goes wrong, innocent people can be injured or killed. Many construction workers suffer broken bones, concussions, brain damage, and permanent disability in a crane accident. If the crane was defective, or if someone operated it negligently, then you should meet with a Manhattan construction accidents attorney. Both construction workers and members of the public might have claims after an accident but must move quickly to protect their rights.
Contact a Manhattan Construction Accident Attorney to Review Your Case
At Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman, our clients have received workers’ compensation benefits and other compensation after a crane accident. Please contact us today. An experienced attorney is the biggest asset you can have when filing a claim. We offer a free consultation to those who call 212-285-3300 or fill out our contact form.
