Loose Platform Retainer Bolts Cause Fall From Bucket in New York

30-Second Takeaway

A man installing overhead fibre communication cables fell three to four metres from a bucket in Woodbury, Long Island, New York, on Friday after one or more basket retainer bolts reportedly came loose or failed. The worker, employed by Frontier Communications, was transported to hospital with injuries that are not considered life-changing. Authorities are expected to investigate the condition and securing of the work platform.

Incident Overview

A serious access-equipment incident occurred on Friday August 29th in Woodbury, Long Island, New York, when a worker fell from a bucket platform while installing overhead fibre-optic communication cables.

The fall occurred after one or more basket retainer bolts reportedly came loose, failed, or dropped out, allowing movement of the platform and resulting in the worker falling to the ground below.

What Is Known

• Location: Woodbury, Long Island, New York

• Date: Friday August 29th

• Task: Installation of overhead fibre communication cables

• Employer: Frontier Communications

• Fall height: Approximately 3–4 metres

• Injuries: Serious but not life-changing

The injured worker was transported to hospital for treatment.

Witness Account

A work colleague reportedly stated:

“I heard a loud bang, looked over and saw him holding on to the gate of the bucket and then fall.”

This account aligns with early information suggesting a sudden mechanical failure at the basket interface.

Apparent Cause

Based on information received so far:

• One or more basket retainer bolts may have:

  • Worked loose

  • Snapped

  • Fallen out entirely

This may have caused instability or separation at the platform connection point.

No official findings have yet been released.

Investigation Status

At the time of publication:

• Authorities are expected to examine the platform assembly

• Bolt condition, torque, and retention methods will likely be reviewed

• Maintenance, inspection, and pre-use checks may form part of the investigation

Crane Hub Global will update this article as verified information becomes available.

Why Incidents Like This Can Occur

Platform attachment failures can occur due to:

• Inadequate bolt torque or locking mechanisms

• Vibration loosening fasteners over time

• Missed defects during inspection

• Incorrect assembly following maintenance

Even small fastener failures at platform interfaces can lead to sudden and catastrophic loss of support.

Industry Reminder

Platform attachment points are critical safety interfaces. When they fail, workers have little time to react.

This incident highlights the importance of fastener integrity, inspection discipline, and conservative maintenance practices for bucket trucks and access platforms.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane and access-equipment incidents to support industry awareness and prevention. Apparent causes are clearly identified where official findings are pending. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

How Incidents Like This Can Be Prevented

Fastener Inspection and Torque Control

Critical platform fasteners should be regularly inspected, torqued, and secured using manufacturer-approved methods.

Secondary Retention Systems

Where feasible, secondary mechanical retention can help prevent platform separation if primary fasteners fail.

Pre-Use Equipment Checks

Operators should visually and physically check platform attachment points before each shift.

Vibration and Fatigue Awareness

Equipment exposed to road travel and repetitive movement should receive enhanced fastener inspection intervals.

Stop-Work Authority

Any abnormal noise, movement, or looseness should trigger an immediate stop and inspection.