Construction Contractor Cited After Worker Fatally Injured
The incident occurred when the worker was struck by an object.
- By Alex Saurman
- Apr 22, 2022
A contractor in Clearwater, Florida is being cited after a worker was fatally injured on-site of a major toll road construction project.
According to a press release, the worker, while working in a trench box, was fatally injured when a concrete pile broke free from a damaged wire rope sling and struck them, pinning the worker to a wall.
OSHA found the employer, contractor Archer Western—De Moya JV II, did not follow safety standards nor provide adequate training. OSHA cited Archer Western for “exposing workers to struck-by and crushed-by hazards due to:
- Allowing workers to remain within the danger zone while tension was applied to a crane’s load in direct contravention of the crane manufacturer’s procedures.
- Failing to train workers on how to recognize and avoid unsafe working conditions and train or qualify the signal person prior to directing crane operation.
- Failing to ensure hand signals between the crane operator and the signal person were agreed upon before conducting a lift.
- Using a wire rope sling with damaged capacity information tags.”
The incident occurred while on site for the construction of Pinellas Gateway Expressway, “one of the largest Tampa Bay area construction projects to-date.” The total penalty was for $60,084.
“Archer Western could have prevented this tragic incident if they had taken the necessary steps to identify and mitigate safety hazards,” said OSHA Area Office Director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida in the press release. “Workers deserve to start each workday without worrying whether they will return home unharmed. Employers have an obligation to follow safety standards to protect their workers from all known hazards.”
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.