Four workers were hospitalized after a large crane toppled over at a construction site in Delray Beach, Florida.
OSHA is set to investigate what caused the incident.
The crane collapse happened at about 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Swinton Avenue at the Sundy Village complex construction site near downtown Delray Beach.
According to Delray Beach Fire Rescue, all four injured workers were transported to Delray Medical Center for treatment – two as trauma victims. They were working as subcontractors for Morrow Equipment and Diamondback Hoist and Rigging when the crane collapsed. At this time, it is unclear what caused the crane to fall, but OSHA will conduct an investigation to determine what went wrong.
Why Cranes Collapse
Cranes may collapse for various reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Overloading: This is the most common cause of crane collapses. If the crane is used to lift a load that exceeds its capacity, it could easily become unstable and collapse.
- Improper assembly or disassembly: If a crane is not properly assembled or disassembled, it may not be structurally sound and may collapse under stress. This includes not properly extending or securing the boom, mast, or jib, and not properly installing counterweights.
- Inadequate maintenance and inspections: If a crane is not regularly inspected and maintained, wear and tear could weaken its structural components to the point where they can no longer support the crane's operation, leading to collapse.
- Unstable ground conditions: The crane's foundation or ground support must be stable and level. If the ground underneath the crane is not solid enough to support its weight, it could shift or collapse.
To prevent such incidents, construction companies and crane operators must adhere to safety standards, regularly inspect and maintain equipment, and ensure all workers are trained in correct crane operation and safety procedures.
What Caused the Delray Beach Crane Collapse?
What caused the crane at the Sundy Village construction site to collapse is yet to be determined, and we will be following the details of this story and OSHA’s investigation into the matter.
Our firm was recently retained by the family of Joseph Bien-Aime, a construction worker who was killed after a crane collapse in Broward County. We filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of his family to hold the wrongdoers accountable.
Most of all, our hearts go out to the injured workers and their families.