Construction worker survives crane collapsing on top of him thanks to safety emergency plan

The I-90 bridge reconstruction site where a crane collapsed nearly killed a worker Monday. Credit: Illinois Tollway AuthorityThe I-90 bridge reconstruction site where a crane collapsed nearly killed a worker Monday. Credit: Illinois Tollway Authority

Some careful safety planning by a contractor’s safety manager was key in saving the life of a construction worker at a bridge reconstruction site in Elgin, Illinois, after a crane collapsed on top of him.

The 51-year-old worker was working atop a barge beneath the Interstate 90 bridge that crosses the Fox River, according to a report from The Courier NewsThe crane was beneath the bridge when it collapsed atop the barge.

Elgin Fire Department Battalion Chief called the incident an “equipment failure.” â€śThe crane came apart and collapsed and he was hurt pretty seriously,” Michaels he told the paper.

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Despite being on the barge, Michaels said firefighters were able to quickly get to the worker thanks to careful planning and a land bridge that connected to the barge. He said before work began on the bridge, the contractor’s safety manager met with firefighters to come up with a plan in case of an emergency.

The worker was stabilized and transported to the hospital in critical condition.