A construction worker’s life is often at risk on the job site. Simply put, the nature of their job involves a lot of risk. At times, these risks can turn into a horrible reality, flipping their lives upside-down. Sadly, a construction-site accident in New York resulted in this reality for two workers.
What, or who, caused the accident?
According to sources, Timothy Braico, a senior branch manager for Western Specialty Contractors based in St. Louis, and Terrance Edwards, a site superintendent for the firm, ignored crane regulations and applicable industrial codes established by the city’s Buildings Department and New York’s legislature. This resulted in a significant construction site accident in New York.The following are details of the incident:
- According to a report, Braico ordered a Jekko mini-crane for the project. However, there were no workers available at the job site with proper training to operate this crane.
- No safety plan was submitted to the city for the use of the mini-crane, as dictated by regulations.
- Edwards directed an ironworker to operate the mini-crane to hoist glass panels up from a lower floor. Edwards didn’t know, or didn’t check, the load capacity of the crane. He didn’t even ask the ironworker to tether it, as per the city’s rules.
As a result, the crane lurched forward, then capsized, before crashing down four stories. As the crane fell, the boom struck both Christopher Jackson and George Delgado. Both workers had been assigned the task of assisting from the floor below.
What happened to the injured ironworkers?
According to reports, both ironworkers suffered serious injuries because of this construction site accident in New York. Jackson suffered a traumatic head injury, affecting his ability to speak and walk properly. As for Delgado, a severe spinal injury has impaired his walking and movement abilities.
What is the fallout?
Both Braico and Edwards face criminal charges for their roles in the reckless endangerment that caused this severe construction site accident in New York. The also face assault charges for the impact this incident has had on the lives of the two construction workers, as well as their families.