Florida State University Construction Fatality Results in Citations
All four companies are based in Tallahassee, Fla.
OSHA found that an employer allowed a window-frame opening in a building under construction to be uncovered, which exposed workers to the hazard of being struck and crushed by the elevator carriage as it passed within inches of the opening. An employee of Miller's Plumbing and Mechanical Inc. died after being struck and crushed by a material/personnel elevator carriage not enclosed on all four sides.
OSHA has issued citations to Culpepper Construction Co. Inc., Miller's Plumbing, Benchmark Erectors Inc. and Fleck Exterior Systems Inc. for the same safety hazard.
"Culpepper and Miller's management acknowledged workers were exposed to a serious safety hazard but failed to ensure all four sides adjacent to the material hoist structure were protected adequately," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville. "The employers' inaction and lack of commitment to a safe workplace has caused this tragic loss."
General contractor Culpepper Construction Co. and Miller's Plumbing each were issued a willful citation for exposing workers to crushing hazards. Additionally, Benchmark Erectors and Fleck Exterior Systems were each cited with one serious violation for the same safety hazard, according to OSHA.