Wednesday, November 22, 2006

OSHA Proposes $328,000 in Penalties for 2 FL Contractors

CHH online

OSHA proposes over $328,000 in penalties for two Florida contractors after triple fatality at Miami Beach jobsite.


OSHA has cited two Florida construction companies following the investigation of a roof collapse in which three workers were killed. The fatal accident occurred May 6, at One Bal Harbour on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Proposed penalties total $297,500 for Southland Forming and $30,525 for the general contractor Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction.


Three Southland employees died when formwork and poured concrete for the roof level of a condominium building collapsed, trapping them on the level below. A fourth worker was hospitalized with serious injuries. OSHA issued four willful citations to Southland for failing to design and erect formwork that would adequately support the weight of concrete being placed upon it; failure to properly position and ensure stability of shoring posts; and failure to conduct inspections during the concrete pour.


The company also received four serious citations for failing to determine that planned formwork would not support a change to the roof design; to assure that shoring and support posts were properly erected; and to properly train employees. The general contractor also received four serious citations. Two, directly related to the accident, were for exposing workers to the collapse by failing to assure that structures were designed to support concrete and posts were properly attached to formwork. The other citations were for allowing a load that was raised by a crane to be lifted above workers and failing to adequately light a stairway, exposing workers to struck-by and tripping hazards.


The companies have 15 days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.


http://hr.cch.com/news/safety/112206a.asp

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