05.02.2009

Crane operator injured

A crane operator was critically injured yesterday after his cab was badly struck by a falling object in Annapolis Maryland.

The 46 year old operator employed by Maxim Crane Works, had rigged the crane, a Grove GMK All Terrain, with a fully extended and offset swingaway extension, ready to lift air conditioners on the roof of a building at the Annapolis Towne Centre building site.
Please register to see all images

The crane cab was hit by something substantial

Construction workers on the site said that the accident occurred during the setup process, when “One of the large pulleys broke off and smashed onto the operator's cab” seriously injuring the operator who was airlifted to hospital. However the item that fell was clearly very heavy, having seriously distorted the cab, it was most likely the cranes main hook block or the headache ball?

The lift was being carried out for Herman-Stewart Construction, which is building 24-Hour Fitness centre next to the Whole Foods Market, which also is still under construction.
Please register to see all images

One assumes that the boom and extension had been up when the accident occurred?

Maxim, said that it is cooperating fully with the investigation, and would not comment further until it is completed.