In June, I wrote about an unstable crane atop the Blue Cross-Blue Shield building in Chicago. The incident came right on the heels of 2008, the worst year of crane accidents in U.S. history.
What happened in Chicago--or didn't happen I should say--was a sensitive story to report. Some people didn't want to talk about it. I appreciate those who did because otherwise it would have been just a rumor and not all that helpful as a lesson learned.
I have followed the work at Blue Cross for years and for many reasons: It signals a new era of vertical construction (building on existing buildings). It is conveniently located steps away from ENR's Midwest bureau in One Pru. It has cranes.
Now, the folks at CraneBlogger.com have posted new photos of the damaged crane:
Follow the link, and check out the story called, in the Website's own words, the "Mother of All Near Misses."
A lot people are trying to make crane work safer. Just a week prior to running our Blue Cross story, I profiled Aviad Shapira, who has measured the top risks around tower cranes. There are countless other thought leaders out there.
Crane safety has never been more important. May many more join in the effort.
