Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC and Maxim Crane Works LP were cited for OSHA violations and fined a combined $61,299 after a 27-year-old rigger fell approximately 30 stories to his death when a support cable failed during tower crane assembly work at a Fort Lauderdale high-rise in 2024.

Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC / Maxim Crane Works LP — Fatal 30-Story Crane Fall, Fort Lauderdale (2024)

Outcome: A 27-year-old rigger fell approximately 30 stories to his death when a support cable failed during tower crane assembly at a Fort Lauderdale high-rise; OSHA cited both Phoenix Rigging and Maxim Crane Works for a combined $61,299 in penalties for corroded crane hardware, failure to conduct pre-inspections, and failure to enforce fall protection.

A 27-year-old rigger employed by Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC was working with a coworker on a platform during tower crane installation at a Fort Lauderdale high-rise construction project in 2024. A support cable failed, displacing the platform. The rigger, whose lanyard was not connected to an anchor point, fell approximately 30 stories and died. His coworker, who was wearing and had connected proper fall protection, survived and was rescued.

OSHA's investigation found that Phoenix Rigging failed to ensure workers used fall protection equipment and failed to identify and replace corroded or cracked pins and bolts on the crane climbing frame before work began. Maxim Crane Works LP, the crane company, was cited for failing to conduct required pre-work inspections and failing to detect deficiencies in corroded crane components including pins and bolts with improper end connections.

OSHA proposed a combined penalty of $61,299 against both employers.

Primary Source: Department of Labor finds construction contractors failed to protect rigger from fatal 30-story fall at Fort Lauderdale high-rise