OSHA: Lack of Crane Safety Protocols Led to Worker’s Death

An OSHA investigation determined a worker died on the job because a Tampa-area construction contractor failed to ensure ground conditions were adequate to support a crane.

Here’s what happened.

Workplace accident in highway construction zone

In October 2023, two Florida construction contractors – Adcock Cranes and Concrete Impressions – were working on a highway ramp in Orlando. Specifically, they were installing precast concrete sound barrier panels on the southbound ramp.

A 37-year-old Concrete Impressions employee was working in an aerial lift as a 10,700-pound panel was being lifted into place by an Adcock Cranes employee. During the process, the crane tipped toward a slope, and the employee was struck by a boom. He suffered fatal injuries.

OSHA finds violations

After an investigation, OSHA cited Adcock Cranes with one serious violation for not ensuring the ground conditions were adequate to support the crane while lifting sound barrier panels and proposed a $16,131 fine.

The agency also cited Concrete Impressions with:

• one serious violation for allowing workers to take apart and use extension ladders to reach sound barrier panels, and
• one other-than-serious violation for the contractor not documenting the required 12-month record of the inspections of a chain used to lift sound barrier panels.

It proposed $4,839 in penalties.

“The death of any worker is a terrible loss that leaves their family, friends and co-workers devastated. Their pain only worsened when learning the tragedy could have been prevented,” said OSHA Area Office Director Erin Sanchez in Orlando, Florida. “Our investigation found Concrete Impressions and Adcock Cranes failed in their responsibilities to provide employees with a safe work environment.”

Crane safety checklist for employers

Cranes and hoists serve an important function in many industries, especially construction and manufacturing.

But they pose specific hazards to both operators and employees working near them, as this case shows.

This checklist can help you ensure you’re protecting workers and complying with OSHA standards.

Info: DOL finds lack of crane safety protocols led to employee’s fatal injuries, 4/23/24.