OSHA cites Florida contractors after two fatalities

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited PCL Construction Services Inc. of Edmonton, Canada, for safety violations after two employees suffered fatal injuries at a work site for the new JW Marriott Hotel in Orlando.

The workers were pouring concrete on the seventh floor when the support structure collapsed. OSHA found the contractors failed to inspect formwork, shoring, working decks and scaffolds properly prior to construction to ensure that the equipment met the required specified formwork drawings. OSHA also issued PCL Construction Services Inc. the maximum willful citation allowed by law for failing to design, fabricate, erect, support and brace the formwork so that it was capable of supporting vertical and lateral loads.

“Using specified drawings and shoring plans may have prevented these fatalities,” said OSHA Tampa Area Office Director Les Grove in a news release.

Universal Engineering Sciences of Orlando, Florida, also received citations regarding the incident initially. The contractors collectively received three violations totaling $157,792 in proposed penalties.

However, Universal's citations were recently dismissed by OSHA, finding that the company didn't violate any standard in connection with the incident.

“While Universal Engineering Sciences continues to keep the families and co-workers of those who were lost in this unfortunate accident in our thoughts and prayers, we are gratified by OSHA’s resolution of this matter," says Mark Israel, the president and COO of Universal Engineering Sciences. "As Universal’s 50-plus year history reflects, our company has always been committed to workplace safety and health."

Citations for PCL Construction Services Inc. (and Universal Engineering Sciences' initial citations that have since been dismissed) are available online.

Additionally, OSHA issued a hazard alert letter to Puleo’s Concrete Inc. of Lutz, Florida, and C&C Pumping Services Inc. of Tampa, Florida, the employers of the two deceased workers, recommending that they develop a workplace policy to follow-up with the general contractor to ensure installation of shoring equipment according to the most recent drawings.

The companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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 its website.