Cleveland Contractor Cited in Casino Parking Garage Collapse
Several workers suffered sprains and strains during the Dec. 16 incident in downtown Cleveland. Proposed fines total $38,000.
OSHA has cited Cleveland Cement Contractors Inc. for six serious safety violations, including not following design and construction standards, following an investigation into the partial collapse of a casino's second floor parking garage during concrete placement. Several workers suffered sprains and strains during the Dec. 16 incident in downtown Cleveland. Proposed fines total $38,000.
Cleveland Cement Contractors President Michael Simonetti said both OSHA and the company were unable to identify the cause of the collapse, according to a story published by The Plain Dealer.
“What happened was unforeseeable by our company. It could have been caused by equipment failure,” Simonetti said.
The OSHA violations include failing to properly design, construct, and maintain concrete-forming and shoring systems; avoid eccentric loading of shoring stringers; secure shoring stringers to shoring heads as needed; adequately inspect forming and shoring prior to and during concrete placement; guard all exposed protruding reinforcing steel; and ensure that workers use face protection while operating a pneumatic hose.
"Contractors are responsible for knowing and following recognized construction standards and ensuring that all proper precautions are taken on job sites to prevent workers from being injured," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."
Simonetti said the company disputed the citations and will be meeting with OSHA, reported Plain Dealer writer Michael Sangiacomo.
Cleveland Cement Contractors Inc. specializes in the construction of parking garages and other cast-in-place concrete structures.