Construction Company Cited in Worker's Death at Wind Energy Site
Wanzek Construction was issued one serious safety violation.
Following the death of a crane operator, OSHA issued one serious safety violation to Wanzek Construction of Oakdale, Neb., for exposing workers to struck-by hazards. The worker was not wearing a safety restraint as a crane slipped into a ditch and overturned. He was crushed as it rolled off an embankment.
"At the beginning of each shift, construction vehicles in use must be inspected to ensure that they are in safe operating condition. This includes ensuring that vehicle restraint systems are in place and utilized by employees to ensure their safety when operating the vehicles," said Darwin Craig, OSHA's acting area director in Omaha. "Crushing and struck-by hazards are still one of the leading causes of construction-related incidents resulting in fatalities in the industry."
Proposed penalties total $7,000.