06.08.2004

Contractor found guilty in Crane Accident

The contractor in the 1,000 ton crane collapse earlier this year has been found guilty of failing to comply with the manufacturer's instructions for safe crane operation.

OSHA investigators have determined that the accident in February or this year that saw the 1,000 ton Paolo de Nicola crane collapse (see Vertikal.Net April 19th) and kill four workers on the Inerstate 280 bridge in Toledo, Ohio, was caused by the contractor's failure to comply with the manufacturer's instructions for safe crane operation. St. Louis-based Fru-Con Construction Corp, a division of Germany's Bilfinger and berger. faces fines of up to $280,000.

Fru-Con was cited for four willful violations of federal workplace health and safety standards. According to OSHA, willful violations are the most severe because violators know that a dangerous condition exists and yet make no effort to eliminate it. Fines for each violation can be anywhere from $5,000 to $70,000.

OSHA's investigation found Fru-Con failed to sufficiently anchor the crane to the concrete pier segments and pier caps. OSHA also found that the company failed to use any anchoring bars for the rear legs of the crane and used an insufficient number of anchoring bars for the front legs. Fru-Con has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

"This tragic accident could have and should have been prevented," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "We must ensure that employers protect their workers from occupational hazards, so injury and illness rates continue to decline. The significant fines of $280,000 proposed in this case demonstrate the commitment of this Administration to protecting the health and safety of America 's workers