On July 9, 1999, a tragic accident occurred at the construction site of the Miller Park stadium in Wisconsin. The big blue crane operator, who was responsible for lifting a huge section of the roof, lost control of the crane, causing it to collapse and kill three workers. This incident shocked not only the construction industry but also the whole community. In this article, we will explore what happened to the big blue crane operator and what consequences ensued.
The Accident
The big blue crane was designed to lift up to 567 tons and is considered one of the largest cranes in the world. On the day of the accident, the crane operator was trying to lift a 400-ton roof section in high winds. However, during the lift, the operator suddenly lost control of the crane, causing it to topple over and crash into the partially built stadium. The crane destroyed a part of the roof, and three workers were killed instantly. Seven others were injured, some critically.
The Investigation
An immediate investigation began to determine the cause of the accident. The investigators found that the big blue crane had exceeded its weight limit at the time of the lift. Furthermore, the operator did not follow the proper procedures when operating the crane. He failed to retract the crane's outriggers, which likely caused the crane to tip over. The investigators also discovered that the crane's weight sensors were not calibrated accurately, which potentially contributed to the operator's lack of judgment.
The Consequences
The accident had a significant impact on the construction industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued fines of over $85,000 to the construction company and the crane manufacturer for multiple violations. Even worse, the victims' families filed a lawsuit against both parties, which later resulted in a $99 million settlement. The crane company declared bankruptcy a few years later due to substantial legal costs from this event. Furthermore, the accident also caused a delay in the construction of the stadium, resulting in postponed games and lost revenues.
The Conclusion
The big blue crane accident is a prime example of what can go wrong when safety protocols are not followed in the construction industry. Construction workers have one of the highest injury rates among all occupations. Therefore, it is essential to ensure strict adherence to the regulation and standards by all persons involved in the construction process. The loss of lives, injuries, and financial burden associated with the big blue crane accident can be avoided if everyone working on a construction site takes safety seriously.
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