Adding Cranes to our "Ideas for Good"

We're down to six days left until the submission deadline.  I'm still eager to hear your comments on yesterday's draft submission before sending it in, but in the meantime I want to continue with the new idea we started discussing -- using the Touch Tracer display in heavy cranes and other construction equipment.  It's a new idea so first we need to write a statement of need (visit our previous posting on the brainstorming rules).

• Statement of Need: Industrial cranes are huge pieces of equipment that require the gentlest touch to use. From tall tower cranes that soar above skyscrapers to giant shipyard gantries that lift cargo containers 24 hours a day, these massive machines require a strict adherence to safey.  Shipyard cranes cost up to $7 million each and able to lift over 33 tons (http://www.shipping-container-housing.com/shipping-container-standard-dimensions.html), so the smallest accident can have large repercussions.  And in 2009 the second-leading cause of accidents was operator error (http://enr.construction.com/products/equipment/2009/0603-TowerCranes.asp); this could be greatly reduced through use of the Touch Tracer display.  

This is the third idea to pass the Statement of Need phase and I'm hoping to draft a full submission for tomorrow.  So let me know what you think in the comments below.  Every extra set of eyes helps!