Worker Is Killed After Being Thrown From Moving Crane

Case Overview

This case involves a crane accident that occurred while a manlift worker was preparing to hang a steel beam. While the worker was about 50 feet in the air, the crane that had lifted the steel beam tipped over dropping its boom onto the boom of the manlift. The worker was thrown from the manlift bucket and was killed instantly. The crane operator claimed that because it had rained heavily the night before, the outriggers sank in the mud causing the accident. The investigation performed by the safety crew on the job concluded that the crane had been over-extended. It was subsequently alleged that a closer location should have been provided for the crane to be set up.

Questions to the Civil Engineering expert and their responses

Can you review field density reports and determine their validity and accuracy?

I can review field density reports and determine their validity and accuracy.

Based on field density reports, can you determine the maximum weight an area can support?

Based on field density reports, I can determine the maximum weight an area can support.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has nearly 30 years of experience in the fields of engineering and construction. He obtained his BS in civil engineering technology and his MS in technology management from Southern Polytechnic State University. He later earned another BS in Civil Engineering from Kennesaw State University. He is a licensed professional engineer and certified in roadway construction, safety, and health by OSHA. He is active in his field as a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has served as a civil and structural engineer and project manager at various Southeast engineering firms, including Howard, Needles, Tammen, and Bergendoff, Welker & Associates, and Applied Technical Services. He formerly served as the president of Mutual Engineering, Inc. and a senior technical advisor and civil/structural engineer at LWG Consulting. He currently owns a private engineering and safety consultancy where he provides design services on various civil and structural engineering projects.