Scaffolding Collapse Leads to Florida Contractor's $69,168 Fine

Scaffolding Collapse Leads to Florida Contractor's $69,168 Fine

In October 2010, two employees were painting the inside of a water tank when a suspended scaffold device anchored on the outer surface of a roof hole fell through the hole, causing one side of the scaffold to collapse.

February 21, 2011

OSHA has cited M Brothers Paintings Inc. of St. Augustine, Fla., with 15 safety violations following a scaffolding collapse at a Hollywood, Fla., worksite that seriously injured two workers. Penalties total $69,168.
In October 2010, two employees were painting the inside of a water tank when a suspended scaffold device anchored on the outer surface of a roof hole fell through the hole, causing one side of the scaffold to collapse. The two workers fell approximately 25 feet.
"If proper safety precautions had been taken, these injuries could have been prevented," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "It is the employer's responsibility to ensure all aspects of OSHA's standards are followed."
Fourteen serious safety violations were cited with a penalty of $59,928 for failure to inspect the scaffold and its components for defects; ensure the suspension scaffold device could rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least four times the load; protect workers with adequate fall protection; train workers to recognize the hazards associated with the use of shackles as anchor devices on supporting surfaces; and provide a safety and health program that includes hazard prevention and control. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
A repeat citation with a penalty of $9,240 was issued for failing to equip the load end of the wire suspension rope with thimbles. The thimbles can prevent the wire from pitching and abrading while preventing the load from coming into direct contact with the wire. OSHA cited the company in September 2010 for failing to meet the agency's safety standard for scaffolding. A repeat citation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.


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Chemical tanks explode at design factory in Maldon

Chemical tanks explode at design factory in Maldon

February 10, 2011

Fire crews were faced with very explosive materials inside the factory
Two chemical tanks have exploded during a blaze at a design manufacturing plant in Essex.

Six fire crews were called to the Sil-Die factory in Fullbridge, Maldon, at 1245 GMT.

Two phosphorus tanks have exploded and crews have been hampered by a number of potentially explosive chemicals.

The fire service said the two-storey property has been "totally destroyed" and a heavy plume of smoke can be seen over the town.

'Huge bang'
An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "First one tank exploded and then that made the second tank explode.

"There was a huge bang and the explosion created a bright white flash with pieces of phosphorus flying out everywhere.

"Crews are battling hard at this incident but the chemicals involved are creating problems. Parts of the building have already collapsed.

"A specialist chemical officer has been ordered to the scene as the basement is thought to contain magnesium developer and acetone fixer."

Roads in the area have been closed. An emergency refuge has been set up by the local authority to provide shelter for those unable to return to their homes.

'Roof collapsed'
At 1645 GMT Assistant Divisional Officer Nigel Dilley said the fire was coming under control but that crews expected to remain on the scene for some time.

He said: "The factory itself has been totally destroyed - the roof has collapsed, some of the walls are still standing but there was nothing crews could do to save it.

"The early call from the owner and the information he gave regarding the chemicals and their potential reaction to first crews at the scene averted a much more serious incident.

"We have a fire investigation officer involved in the incident although at this stage we are not treating it as deliberate."

Sil-die is a foiling and embossing manufacturer which produces artwork and design services.


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2 ironworkers killed in NYC construction site fall

2 ironworkers killed in NYC construction site fall

NEW YORK — Two mid-Hudson Valley ironworkers died after they fell 65 feet from a fifth floor through an open elevator shaft at a church construction site where they were installing steel, authorities said.

Brett McEnroe, 49, of Dover Plains, and Roy Powell, 51, of New Paltz, were working on a planned expansion of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church on Manhattan's Upper West Side Tuesday morning as members of a four-person crew, authorities said.

McEnroe, a married father of two, died at Roosevelt Hospital. Powell, who was married and had a son, died at St. Luke's Hospital, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

Powell was a member of Ironworkers Local 40 in Manhattan; McEnroe was a member of Local 417 in Newburgh, according to Bob Walsh, business manager for Local 40.

The city's buildings commissioner, Robert LiMandri, said it appeared the workers did not have proper fall protection, including harnesses, safety netting or a support platform. The church expansion began in 2009, with no mishaps reported until now.

He called the deaths "a tragic reminder" of the need to observe safety measures in the construction industry, and said the city would be investigating why the men were not equipped properly.

The commissioner issued a stop-work order for the building on West 83rd Street.

The workers were pronounced dead at hospitals after a 911 call at about 10:30 a.m.

Redeemer Presbyterian Church did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment.

Four construction workers fell to their deaths in New York City last year.


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