Port Canaveral Construction Site Crane Accident
Construction sites are dangerous places. There are huge pieces of equipment and power tools. All of this creates plenty of opportunity for workers to be injured. They can fall and break their back, smash a limb or receive a severe laceration.
The government has agencies that protect workers and create a safe working environment. That’s what is happening after dozens of people were nearly injured in a construction accident.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating an incident that occurred on November 2, 2014 in Port Canaveral, according to media reports. On that Sunday, people were dining, drinking beer and enjoying the afternoon at Grills Deck and Tiki Bar, which is located on the waterfront.
That was when everything started going wrong. A giant crane was moving a 100-foot-long steel beam at a construction site located next door to the restaurant. The crane is being used in construction of an expansion to the port and several of the beams must pass over the restaurant when they are being moved. A combination of high winds and bad communication caused the steel beam to break loose and crash into the bathroom of the restaurant. Patrons said they heard a large bang and then saw the steel beam impacting the restaurant.
The accident could have been a lot worse. The bar sustained significant structural damage, but nobody was injured when the beam fell. It’s unclear what the OSHA investigation involves, but there was the potential for fines or citations.
OSHA will most likely interview the workers who were involved with moving the beam and other witnesses to the accident. Officials will probably want to speak with the owner or manager of the construction company and try to determine what safety precautions have put in place since the accident. OSHA officials want to make sure that a similar accident does not occur again. They want proper safety to be maintained in order to prevent any injuries to a worker or the general public. The agency will most likely make specific recommendations to the construction company.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction-related accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.