OSHA finds high-rise contractors failed to protect worker from fatal 30-story fall

A U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation into a crane collapse at a residential construction site in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in April found that two contractors could have prevented the death of a worker who fell 30 stories.

Investigators learned that two workers employed by Phoenix Rigging & Erecting LLC were installing a section on a tower crane to increase its height when a support cable failed and the platform on which they stood became displaced. One worker, who was wearing the required fall protection and tied off, was rescued. Another worker, whose lanyard was not connected to an anchor point, was fatally injured, according to OSHA.

OSHA cited Mableton, Georgia-based Phoenix Rigging & Erecting for three serious violations, including failing to ensure the use of fall protection equipment, to identify and replace or otherwise repair corroded and cracked pins or bolts designed to secure the crane’s climbing frame and apply end connections properly, and to conduct pre-inspections of crane components before allowing employees to start work, and ensuring cranes were inspected properly by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear. The fines total $38,715.

The agency also cited and fined $22,582 a Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, crane rental company Maxim Crane Works LP for two serious violations: failing to observe deficiencies to significantly corroded and cracked pins and bolts, and improperly applying end connections; and allowing employees to start work without conducting pre-inspections of crane components.