The federal investigation into the Fort Lauderdale crane crash in April found five workplace safety violations by two companies that led to one death.
Proposed fine: $61,299, “the maximum amount OSHA can legally recommend,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
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 proposed fines; request an informal meeting with the area director; or dispute the quotes, which is the option companies seem to have taken lately.
OSHA’s summary of the death of 27-year-old Jorge De La Torre says that on April 4, around 4:30 in the afternoon, “an employee working for a contractor on a multi-family housing project was waiting to complete the crane climb to the platform to start when a cable snapped. The worker died when he fell more than 30 stories (320 feet) to the sidewalk below.
The Department of Labor release notes that the other worker on the platform with De La Torre was “wearing the required fall protection and was tethered” while De La Torre’s tether was not anchored.
Both Phoenix and Maxim were cited on their Citation and Notification of Penalty forms for two violations, worth $11,292 each.
▪ “The plow inspection revealed no obvious deficiencies, including, but not limited to, significantly corroded and cracked pins and bolts, and improperly installed (torqued) end connections….”
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▪ The companies “failed to conduct a preliminary 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 has been 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…”
“Ignoring safety requirements in the workplace can be a matter of life and death,” said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond. “If these companies had made safety a priority, a young man’s family, friends and co-workers would not have to face this avoidable loss. Construction industry employers are responsible for ensuring 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 the Occupational Safety Health Administration, visit the website or call 800-321-6742 (OSHA).
