Crane Safety Experts Opine on Fatal Construction Site Accident

ByJoseph O'Neill

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Updated onOctober 10, 2017

Crane Safety Experts Opine on Fatal Construction Site Accident

This case involves an individual in Nebraska who was severely injured when he was crushed between a boom dolly and a crane. Upon purchase of the equipment, it was noted that the dolly portion of the crane lacked adequate breaks, and was sold without the accompanying documentation outlining proper use and safety procedures. On the date of the incident in question, the plaintiff was alongside the crane while it was being prepared for use. The operator of the crane was preparing it for use, when the dolly suddenly began to accelerate away from the crane, crashing into the plaintiff. As a result of the collision, the plaintiff suffered a number of debilitating injuries.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your experience as it relates to the operation of cranes like the one in this case.

2. Can you speak to the proper design of cranes and crane parts, similar in scope to the boom dolly in this case?

3. Can you speak to the proper product design for this boom dolly as it relates to the brake button, and the proper training that must be administered in order to operate this machinery effectively?

Expert Witness Response E-014054

inline imageOver 30 yeas of engineering experience involving cranes and lifting. I have designed components of cranes. I have tested and certified lifting equipment of many types. I have worked around crane and rigging crews extensively. I have investigated many incidents involving cranes and their associated equipment. I am familiar with this particular model of crane. I have been involved in their use at job sites and have investigated a number of accidents involving them in the past 20 years. I could speak to the proper design of boom dollies as it relates to the brake button. The requirements for dolly braking may fall somewhat more under highway transportation requirements than crane requirements. The basic training requirements are contained in OSHA and the ASME B30 standards. The requirements for crane erection and disassembly have become better defined in recent years.

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.

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