Missouri construction company cited after fatal fall

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Franklin County Construction LLC, based in New Haven, Missouri, after an employee suffered a fatal fall when a roof truss collapsed. The employee was part of a crew installing prefabricated roof trusses onto a commercial building under construction in Bowling Green, Missouri.

OSHA investigated the site on October 1, 2018, and cited the company for one repeat violation for failing to ensure anchorage points and five serious safety violations for failing to protect workers from structural collapse and fall hazards. The company faces proposed penalties of $56,910.

"Falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers, but they can be prevented when required safety measures are taken," says St. Louis OSHA Area Director Bill McDonald in a written press release. "It is vital that employers develop and implement safety procedures to ensure that employees are properly protected from collapse and crews are trained in recognizing and evaluating fall and struck-by hazards."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.