Operator Cited in NYC Crane Collapse

Crane operator Paul Geer and contractor Cross Country Construction LLC have each been cited with five violations stemming from a Jan. 9 crane collapse, the city Buildings Department said. Geer and the company each face at least $64,000 in fines; the developer and a site safety manager also were cited with a violation apiece.

“Neither the crane operator nor his supervisors made sure the operation was being performed according to approved plans,” city Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri said in a statement. No phone number could be found for Geer. His union didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment;  nor did Cross Country Construction.

The collapse was the latest of several accidents that have stirred questions about crane safety.

The crane was trying to lift 24,000 pounds — more than twice its limit — and Geer couldn’t see what was being lifted, buildings officials said as they suspended his license earlier this month. Geer also was trying to move the materials outside of an approved zone, they said.

Buildings Department records showed crane work at the site remained halted Wednesday, but TF Cornerstone said it believed the order and violation were being resolved.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the January 31st, 2013 edition of Hamodia.