Abstract
<jats:p>The paper considers issues related to the safety assessment of tower cranes on construction sites. The focus is on the analysis of the destructive potential in the event of an accidental fall (drop) of a tower crane counterweight block from a great height in the event of an emergency. It is assumed that it falls onto an existing floor slab located below. Using mathematical formulas and a software product based on the finite element method, several different options for the possible collision of the block with the slab have been analyzed. Inferences and conclusions have been drawn, giving an idea of the destructive potential of counterweights. This would help to more adequately assess the potential existing risks on the construction site, as well as take adequate measures and improve the level of safety.</jats:p>