We know from experience: many job-site accidents happen because of either a lack of training or equipment failure. Be proactive in protecting your people and equipment. Sign up for training or schedule your next inspection with Cranes101. But first, read the May 2024 accidents.
Crane overturn in Ruhrgebiet
This article was originally published on May 15, 2024 on Vertikal.net.
A five axle All Terrain crane overturned last week in Menzelen/Wesel in Germany’s Ruhr valley region/Ruhrgebiet.
The five axle Tadano from the Schweri crane rental fleet overturned last Wednesday onto a supermarket building that it was helping construct in Menzelen/Wesel north west of Duisburg, North Rhine Westphalia in Germany.
The scene shortly after the incident occurred (photo courtesy: Feuerwehr)
The crane had much, if not all of its main boom extended and elevated to an angle of below 45 degrees while lifting a relatively light composite wood beam over the rear. We understand that the outrigger set up and ground conditions did not play a part in the overturn, but that lack of sufficient counterweight and incorrect programming of the overload system may have played a part in allowing the crane to have gone over.
Two people were injured in the incident, one of which was airlifted to hospital, thankfully nether sustained a serious injury and both were released later in the day.
3 hurt in structure collapse at Hennig construction site in Machesney Park
This article is reprinted from 23 WIFR, published May 20, 2024. There are videos and additional photos of the accident at the original link.
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WIFR) – Three men were hurt Monday after a structure collapse at a Hennig, Inc. construction site in Machesney Park, according to Harlem-Roscoe fire officials.
Multiple agencies from around the stateline were called around 1:30 p.m. May 20, to the area of Marlin Drive and Burden Road, south of Forest Hills Road, to assist with a “technical rescue.” Officials say the three were inside separate lifts above the ground, at the site at 4950 Marlin Road. The site of the collapse is an expansion project for manufacturing company, Hennig, Inc.
Two men were taken to nearby hospitals in unknown condition and the third refused treatment, according to Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief John Bergeron. No fatalities were reported and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA has been called in as part of the investigation. The cause of the collapse is unknown.
Witnesses in the area, like former WIFR Sports Director Michael Tilka, reported the collapse “sounded like a garbage truck unloading into an empty dumpster.” The next thing anyone knew, construction workers were running for safety.
“I just thought it was more thunder throughout the day and to see a sight, we’ve, you know, everybody kind of watches this sight, just to you know stare out of the window to keep an eye on the progress over these past couple of weeks,” Tilka says. “To see it all go from where it’s been in the past handful of months to this it’s tough, for sure.”
Machesney Park District 1 Trustee Joe Seipts was at home during the collapse. He says Hennig Inc. is one of the biggest employers in the area, and this site is meant to broaden the company’s footprint. He encourages the community to share their support for all those effected by the collapse.
“I heard the ambulances and sirens and stuff, and I just ask everyone to keep everyone involved in their thoughts and prayers,” Seipts says. “Our first responders and everyone that’s involved in your thoughts and prayers.”
Cement worker killed in crane collapse during storm in Houston
This article is reprinted from Click2Houston originally published on May 17, 2024.
HOUSTON – A cement worker is dead after officials said a crane collapsed on top of him during Thursday afternoon’s storms.
Houston police said the incident happened around 6:45 p.m. on Wingate and 75th Street.
According to reports, several cement trucks were parked in the area when the wind caused a crane to fall, which crushed a 72-year-old man.
“They did everything they could. Obviously, a lot of heavy equipment to try to get people out. But prayers for their families. A huge tragic event,” officers said.
At least four people have died in connection to Thursday’s storms, according to officials.
If you see an accident report you’d like us to feature in the blog, like the ones shown here in the May 2024 Accidents Reports, let us know. Contact heather@cranes101.com with the information.