Quite a few high-profile crane accidents have occurred in New York City in recent years. Some of the more prominent accidents included a crane collapse on the Tappan Zee Bridge in November, 2016, and another collapse in lower Manhattan earlier that year. The increase in accidents led the city to tighten crane regulations in 2016. A recent City Council bill also proposes mandating workers finish an apprenticeship program prior to working on buildings nine stories tall or greater.
Unfortunately, despite precautions, crane accidents continue – with deadly consequences. The most recent occurred in Staten Island on March 10, when a construction worker was killed by a falling load from a crane. The worker was part of a union. He was working with Staten Island Asphalt at the time of his death.
Investigation ongoing
New York City’s Department of Buildings is now investigating the accident. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration representative also investigated the accident the morning after the fatality occurred, although they have not released any information publicly relating to the incident.
With increased construction comes increased danger
In part because of the city’s construction boom, construction accidents of all types have increased in recent years. Fortunately, New York City has laws in place to protect the rights of construction workers and others who are injured on construction sites. Whether it is a crane collapse or fall from scaffolding, construction workers can get compensation for previous and ongoing medical treatment, lost wages and other expenses that can help provide for them and their families after being seriously injured. Contact a personal injury attorney for more information.
