Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Massachusetts: Crane Operator Killed When Outrigger Sinks into Unstable Soil Causing the Crane to Overturn

摘要

On June 26, 2003, a 28-year-old male crane operator (the victim) was fatally injured when his crane overturned. Upon arrival to the worksite, the victim set up the crane in preparation for the lifting task. The setup included extending the boom approximately 150 feet up and over the rear of the crane with no load attached to the hook. The victim was outside of the crane's cab when he noticed that the crane was moving. In an attempt to stop the crane, the victim started to climb up to the cab. The crane overturned onto its right side, the same side the victim was on, crushing the lower half of his body. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel arrived within minutes of the 911 call and started attending to the victim who was trapped under the crane. A call was also placed to a local towing company to assist in freeing the victim. The towing company arrived with two 60-ton tow trucks and giant air bags to lift the crane enough to free the victim. After 20 minutes of lifting, the victim was freed and was rushed to a hospital where he died of his injuries 12 hours later. The Massachusetts FACE Program concluded that to prevent similar occurrences in the future, employers should ensure that ground conditions are inspected by a competent person and/or soil engineer prior to setting up cranes and ensure that outrigger floats are routinely set onto blocking when deployed. In addition, property owners and general contractors should inform crane operators of any unsafe soil conditions located at the sites.