Earlier this week, a Bragg construction crane tipped over in downtown Sacramento on August 15th near the 12th and K street intersection. Construction crews had to close the affected areas surrounding the incident and called in another crane to help lift the toppled crane into an upright position.
Details from the Scene
Eventually, construction crews successfully corrected the toppled crane, but the crane did sustain significant damage. Onlookers nearby were not at any risk because the crane was not fully deployed before it tipped over. Thankfully there were no injuries reported or damage to the nearby buildings.
Crane Collapse Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, “Between 2011 and 2015, there were 220 crane fatalities.” Around 42% percent of these fatalities occurred in the private construction industry. Out of those 220 deaths, males accounted for 217.
Risk to Pedestrians and Workers
The number of deaths of construction workers in crane accidents fatalities is high. However, the statistics above only account for the number of construction personnel fatalities from crane accidents. If it included pedestrian fatalities, this number is expected to be much higher. Below you will find a series of tips that you, as a pedestrian, can take to avoid injury while near construction sites and cranes.
While walking near construction sites, you should:
- Make sure your headphones’ volume is low so that you can still hear and be aware of your surroundings and hear warning signs.
- Please keep your eyes away from your phone and be aware of your surroundings.
- Please keep in mind the various construction zones in your vicinity.
- Always abide by the safety guidelines posted near construction zones.
- Only enter a construction zone with permission and proper safety gear.
Suppose you have suffered a personal injury due to a crane accident while on the job. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Please contact our qualified workers’ compensation lawyers in Sacramento by visiting our website or calling us at 916-288-9193 to schedule your free consultation today.