Two subcontractors have been cited for violations after a project manager was killed when a crane collapsed on a highway project in Florida.
Ryan Keith Haynes, 37, was operating an aerial lift for Concrete Impressions of Tampa on October 3, 2023, guiding and installing precast concrete panels for a sound barrier wall at the southbound on-ramp for toll road SR 417 at John Young Parkway in Orlando.
An operator for Adcock Cranes Inc. of Plant City was operating a 110 Liebherr crane with the right outriggers on the edge of a 70-degree slope. The outriggers were not fully extended, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
When the crane operator lifted and swung a 10,700-pound concrete panel, it put pressure on the rear right outrigger. The ground underneath collapsed. The crane toppled over and struck Haynes’ aerial lift, according to OSHA.
Haynes was trapped under the crane and died of his injuries. He was a veteran of the War on Terrorism, with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He entered the construction industry after his nine years of Army service as an ammunition specialist, according to his obituary.
OSHA Area Office Director Erin Sanchez in Orlando said the death could have been prevented had the contractors followed safety regulations. “Our investigation found Concrete Impressions and Adcock Cranes failed in their responsibilities to provide employees with a safe work environment.”
Adcock Cranes faces a proposed penalty of $16,131 for one serious violation for not ensuring the ground conditions were adequate to support the crane while lifting the sound barrier panels.
