Six months have passed since the large-crane dismantling accident that occurred on 7 April at the JFE East Japan Works site in Kawasaki City, and work continues to remove the counterweight that sank into the sea. In addition to 4 deaths, investigations and reviews are under way into the site’s safety arrangements and the appropriateness of the dismantling method.
Six months have passed since the accident at the JFE East Japan Works site in Kawasaki City in which a counterweight fell during the dismantling of a large crane on 7 April, killing 4 of the 5 workers who fell. The counterweight that sank into the sea around the site and the surrounding sediment are still being removed. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The counterweight used in the accident was cylindrical, weighed approximately 500 tonnes, was about 9 metres long and had a diameter of about 6 metres. A new dismantling method was adopted in which the concrete inside the counterweight was excavated to reduce its weight before removal. The counterweight is believed to have weighed approximately 400 tonnes when it fell. TOA CORPORATION explained at a press conference that this was the first time it had used the method.
According to investigative sources, the tips of the crane’s 2 arms were embedded in the counterweight, and the arms exposed during the interior excavation may have been cut. The counterweight is scheduled to be recovered and an on-site inspection conducted in the surrounding area. The prefectural police are carefully investigating the circumstances, including the possibility of professional negligence resulting in death or injury.
Experts intend to continue examining the safety of the dismantling work and the adequacy of site management, including the thoroughness of the procedures.
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