Update: Genie Boom Lifts Recalled for Fall Hazard
Genie Industries is recalling 2020 TZ-34 and TZ-50 trailer mounted boom lifts that were sold with bolts which connect the slew turntable bearing to the chassis that may have been under tightened. "The loose bearing may affect the stability of the lift, increasing the risk of personal injury," NHTSA said. Genie is notifying owners and technicians will properly tighten the slew bearing bolts, free of charge. This recall began in December 2020.
What is a Boom Lift?
A boom lift is a type of aerial lift that allows for both horizontal and vertical reach. The machines are widely used for a variety of outdoor jobs, industrial tasks, and construction projects. Boom lifts may also be referred to as basket cranes, cherry pickers, or man lifts.
What's the Problem?
Accidents involving boom lifts can be severe. They can cause significant injuries, permanent disability, or wrongful death.
Related: How to check if you can file a wrongful-death lawsuit
Causes of Boom Lift Accidents
- Failure to train lift operators
- Failure to provide fall protection
- Failure to maintain the equipment or fall protection
- Defective lifts
- Defective fall protection
- Failure to secure brakes and/or pads
- Moving the lift while it is extended
- Raising the lift when unsafe to do so
- Horseplay
- Failure to inspect straps, ropes or chains
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) [1]
2 Die in Boom Lift Accident in Oregon
Two arborists died in a boom lift accident at a farm in Happy Valley, Oregon, as they worked at the Pickathon music festival, according to The Oregonian [2].
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said the workers had been in a boom lift before climbing up trees to get to ropes holding up a shade installation at the festival. They were wearing safety equipment and were roped to the boom lift, which was positioned on an incline.
When the arborists were about 40 feet in the air, the lift suddenly tilted and fell, hurtling the victims to their deaths. The medical examiner’s office says the deaths were likely accidental.
Related lawsuits:
See all related cases our personal injury attorneys have taken on.
Do I Have a Boom Lift Accident Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Boom Lift Accident Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured in a boom lift accident, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
