A crane operated by subcontractors tipped over last week at a construction site where apartments are being built on Golf Course Road.
Fred’s Crane and Tree Service was positioned to set roof trusses when its equipment articulated upwards and fell over around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Daniel Roth, managing director of Dan Vann Companies.
No one was injured, according to Roth, who was present when the incident occurred at 383 Golf Course Road. Dan Vann is building apartments for active adults 55 and older at the site.
The crane went through the middle of an under-construction apartment building on one side, causing a “small amount” of damage to the wooden frame.
“Thank God no one got hurt,” Roth said Friday. “We can replace wood.”
The incident was immediately reported to the U.S. Department of Labor and is under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Crane inspectors arrived at the site within about two hours of the incident. OSHA inspectors visited the site that afternoon.
An OSHA spokesperson was unable to provide details regarding the ongoing investigation that will determine compliance with workplace safety and health standards. It must be completed within six months.
The crane company was hired, Roth said, because using such equipment is normally the safest way to place roof trusses. He added that Dan Vann follows all safety protocols as outlined by OSHA.
“We maintain safe grounds at all job sites,” Roth said. “We try hiring companies to perform safe duties and keep our employees and subcontractors safe.”
The crane has been removed from the site and normal construction activities have resumed. Roth said the incident will not delay the two-year construction project.
Dan Vann is constructing a total of 40 apartments across five buildings at the site off Golf Course Road neighboring the medical building operated by Albany Medical Center and Nathan Littauer.
