Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Crane collapse: Operator at wind farm escapes injury

Cohocton, N.Y. -
A crane operator reportedly escaped injury late Monday morning when the crane he was using to maintain First Wind turbines collapsed.

Wayland State Police reported the work-related accident occurred around noon Monday on South Wheaton Road in the town of Cohocton. The operator – who was not identified – suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, according to troopers.

In response to the report, First Wind issued a statement saying the crane operator was the only person injured. A subcontractor of Clipper Windpower, which is overseeing the maintenance, was operating the crane, according to First Wind spokesman John Lamontagne.

“First Wind will cooperate completely with the accident investigation,” Lamontagne said. “As the owner and operator of the project, we take safety and this accident very seriously. Most importantly, our thoughts are with the injured crane operator and we wish him a very speedy recovery.”

Troopers said the accident will be investigated by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration.

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