Here’s how much OSHA wants to fine two companies in fatal Fort Lauderdale crane collapse
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Fort Lauderdale crane plummets onto bridge, killing a construction worker
On April 4, part of a crane’s heavy metal framework plunged onto the Southeast Third Avenue bridge in Fort Lauderdale while it was being put together. A construction worker, 27-year-old Jorge De La Torre, was killed and three others were injured.
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The federal investigation into April’s Fort Lauderdale crane crash found five workplace safety violations by two companies that led to one death.
Proposed fine: $61,299, “the maximum amount that OSHA can legally recommend,” the U.S. Department of Labor said.
That’s split between Mableton, Georgia’s Phoenix Rigging & Erecting ($38,715) and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania’s Maxim Crane Works ($22,584), a crane rental company. The companies can pay the propsed fines; request an informal meeting with the area director; or contest the citations, which is the option companies’ seem to be taking recently.
OSHA’s summary of 27-year-old Jorge De La Torre’s death says on April 4, around 4:30 in the afternoon, “an employee working for building contractor on a multifamily residential project was waiting to start the crane climbing process to the platform when a cable snapped. The employee died when he fell over 30 stories (320 feet) to the pavement below.”
The Department of Labor’s release notes the other worker on the platform with De La Torre “was wearing the required fall protection and tied off” while De La Torre’s lanyard wasn’t anchored.
Both Phoenix and Maxim, on their Citation and Notification of Penalty forms, were cited for two violations, worth $11,292 each.
▪ “The shift inspection did not identify apparent deficiencies to include, but not limited to significantly corroded, and cracked, pins and bolts, and improperly applied (tightened) end connections....”
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▪ The companies’ “did not ensure pre-inspection of each crane component including...the U-bolt (clamps/clips); bolts; pins; thimble; wire rope of the Terex Top Climbing System-Trolly Rail Guide was adequately inspected by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear...”
Phoenix was cited for a $16,131 violation.
▪ “During climbing procedures, the employer did not ensure the use of fall protection equipment for employees who were on a climbing platform...”
“Neglecting workplace safety requirements can be a matter of life or death,” said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond. “If these companies had made safety a priority, a young man’s family, friends, and co-workers wouldn’t be facing this preventable loss. Construction employers are responsible for ensuring that workers use fall protection in hazardous situations, and we will hold all employers accountable for failing to provide safe working conditions.”
To file a complaint with Occupational Safety Health Administration, either go to the website or phone 800-321-6742 (OSHA).
