Inspection Detail

Inspection: 300609971 - Granite City Division, National Steel Corp.

Inspection Information - Office: Fairview Heights Area Office

Investigation Summary

The operator of the Number 6 American Locomotive Crane overloaded it during the eighth lift. The boom was 60 ft long and was positioned at approximately 55 degrees from horizontal at the time of the accident. The boom was also angled approximately 25 degrees beyond the centerline of the crane, a condition referred to as "over side". Outriggers were not used. The rated load capacity chart clearly shows that the maximum lifting capacity of this locomotive crane, under these conditions, was 27,980 lbs. The operator was attempting to lift a steel slab weighing approximately 47,000 lbs. at the time of the accident. The crane tipped over onto its right side, seriously injuring the operator. He received an amputation of his right hand and severe, crippling injury to his left hand.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, HOISTING MECHANISM, CRANE OUTRIGGER, OVERLOADED, SUSPENDED LOAD, LOCOMOTIVE, CRANE OPERATOR, HAND, CRANE