OSHA: Bryant University Structural Collapse Needless, Preventable
According to the agency's investigation, the contractor did not follow the manufacturer's plans or install adequate bracing.
OSHA announced that its investigation found that a structural steel collapse at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., could have been prevented. The collapse occurred on Sept. 1, 2015, and injured six workers.
The agency determined that Barnes Building & Management, the contractor that was erecting the steel framework for an indoor practice facility at the university, did not erect it according to plan. The contractor also failed to install adequate bracing to make sure the structure was stable.
"Stability needs to be maintained throughout the steel erection process so that a collapse such as this one does not occur. Barnes Building & Management Group knew this and also knew it needed to follow the manufacturer's erection plan. Instead, the company chose to disregard these important safeguards, resulting in a needless and preventable collapse and injuries," said Patrick Griffin, OSHA's Rhode Island area director.