Demolition Collapse Kills Two Workers in Manchester, Ohio
Two Michigan companies were cited by OSHA; the investigation conducted found they failed to check for safety hazards.
- By Shereen Hashem
- May 28, 2021
Two workers were killed after steel beams fell on them when the Killen Power Generation Station’s building collapsed on December 9, 2020. The project was to demolish the facility; one laborer was cutting steel while the truck driver was about to move scrap metal off the site.
OSHA investigated the project and cited two Michigan companies—general contractor Adamo of Detroit and SCM Engineer Demolition, Inc. According to a press release, OSHA cited both contractors for multiple safety violations. This includes violations of the general duty clause and failing to inspect the site regularly to detect potential hazards resulting from the demolition process, such as weakened or deteriorated floors, walls and loosened materials.
Besides these violations, OSHA determined that the company allowed employees to continue working under hazardous conditions without adding “shorting, bracing or other means to steady the structure, and failed to train them on identifying potential hazards,” according to the press release.
"Some of the most dangerous construction projects are those that involve demolishing buildings," said OSHA Area Director Kenneth Montgomery in Cincinnati. "This tragedy could have been prevented if the employer protected their workers with proper planning, training and appropriate personal protective equipment and by complying with OSHA standards."
OSHA proposed penalties of $181,724 to Adamo for one willful, repeat, serious and other-than-serious violations. SCM Engineering faces penalties of $12,288 for three serious violations.
Both companies have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the Independent OSH Review Commission.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.