A crane's age is not an indicator of its physical fitness, according to a new study by Dallas-based forensic firm Haag Engineering. The results fly in the face of laws in Singapore and pending legislation in New York City, as other cities contemplate forcing crane owners to upgrade aging fleets.
"Bottom line, there is absolutely no correlation between age and accidents," said Jim Wiethorn, chairman and principal at Haag, who spoke at the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association's annual meeting, held on April 22-26 in Boca Raton, Fla.