OSHA Cites Fastrack Erectors for Lack of Fall Protection
ARCO National Construction also received citations for serious hazards.
According to a news release from OSHA, a 22-year-old apprentice ironworker fell more than 30 feet to his death while standing on a 9-inch-wide steel girder on a building under construction in Kansas City. OSHA concluded the worker was not provided fall protection by his employer, Fastrack Erectors Inc., a subcontractor on the job. OSHA cited the steel company for seven willful and three serious safety violations and placed the company in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
"This young man had his whole life ahead of him. His dreams of marriage, children, and exploring the great outdoors were cut short because his employer failed to provide fall protection, a violation of its own safety manual and OSHA rules," said Marcia Drumm, OSHA's regional administrator. "This tragedy illustrates how quickly a worker can die when fall protection is not provided and why it's so important."
OSHA's inspection found that Fastrack Erectors violated its own safety manual and a signed contract with the site's general contractor, ARCO National Construction-KC Inc. The contract required subcontractor personnel who worked at heights higher than 6 feet to be provided with adequate fall protection.
OSHA concluded Fastrack Erectors also allowed workers to climb scissor lift guardrails to access the steel frame and decking and allowed them to climb the rails of an aerial lift basket. A total of seven willful violations were cited.