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Crane operator fined $10G for ‘focusing’ on phone, not job

A crane operator was slapped with a $10,000 fine for using his cell phone while lifting steel 120 feet into the air at a Bronx job site.

Hoist machine operator Michael Chichester was hit with the large fine by Buildings Department inspectors in January.

Chichester was caught using his phone June 2 while operating the Liebherr mobile crane at the work site at 1074 Washington Ave. near E. 166th St. in Morrisania.

Inspectors issued a violation on the spot for operating a crane in an unsafe manner, officials said.

“Everyone knows that that driving a car while on your cell phone is dangerous,” Buildings Department spokesman Andrew Rudansky said.

“It should be even more obvious that this behavior is completely unacceptable when operating a large construction crane.”

“We will not tolerate those who put their fellow workers and the public at risk,” he added. “Our inspectors will catch you, and there will be consequences.”

Home Builders L.P., associated with the United Methodist Church, is building a 12-story building at the site with 154 apartments and community space next door to Trinity United Methodist Church. The length of the crane’s boom was 208 feet, records show.

“[Chichester] was found with both hands and eyes focused on his mobile phone, while a steel beam was connected to the hook of the crane with workers trying to connect the beam to its columns,” inspectors said.

A trial judge with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings issued the fine during a hearing Jan. 22.

Chichester’s lawyer did not immediately return a call for comment.