01.10.2014

Truck driver injured by falling crane

A truck driver was seriously injured on Sunday when a Rough Terrain crane overturned at a gravel pit in Nome, Alaska.

The crane boom flattened the cab of the truck causing serious spinal injuries to the driver, Bryce Warnke-Green, 25. Police are investigating the incident as an industrial accident, having notified the Alaska Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The crane, a larger Badger Rough Terrain appears to have been working free on tyres - or at the very least with outriggers retracted and no mats in use - while the boom was almost fully extended and elevated at an angle of around 45 to 50 degrees, the crane then overturned as it slewed over the side.
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The crane was operating with outriggers retracted

The gravel pit is owned by Alaska Gold, a subsidiary of Bering Straits Native Corporation and is operated by ProWest Contractors, which is apparently responsible for both the crane and the truck.
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The truck cab was flattened

Vertikal Comment

This is a totally avoidable incident, what the operator thought he was doing extending the boom without properly setting the outriggers is anybody’s guess. It suggest a distinct lack of training and experience. As a result, a man in the prime of life is likely to suffer from his injuries for the rest of his life. Let’s hope that he is not completely paralysed and makes a good recovery.