Construction Injury News

Fatal Atlanta Construction Accident Leads to $76,000 OSHA Penalty For Archer Western

ATLANTA, Ga. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Archer Western Contractors and proposed penalties totaling $76,300 following a double fatality at an Atlanta job site.

OSHA began an inspection on May 7 at the R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility construction site where three workers had been using a formwork system to pour concrete along the rock face of a 200-foot deep shaft. At about 70 feet above the floor of the shaft, part of the formwork and the scaffold to which it was attached collapsed, hurling the workers to the ground. Two were killed and the third employee was hospitalized for severe injuries. A fourth man working at the bottom of the shaft received a broken arm as a result of falling debris.

During the inspection of the accident, OSHA found that 22 of the required 7/8-inch anchors used to secure the formwork system to the shaft wall had been replaced with smaller 5/8-inch anchors, reducing the support capability of the system.

"This employer showed intentional disregard for worker safety," said Andre Richards, OSHA's Atlanta-West area director. "Company officials knew the replacement anchors were smaller than the original ones holding the formwork together. Yet, no action was taken to correct the hazardous conditions."

OSHA cited Archer Western for a willful violation for failing to properly support and brace the formwork system during the pouring of concrete. A willful citation implies plain indifference to, or intentional disregard of, safety regulations.

An additional serious citation was issued because the company failed to adequately train workers, providing specific information concerning the hazards associated with using proper formwork parts and materials.

Western Archer has 15 working days to contest OSHA's citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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	Did You Know?
	Construction accident injuries may be covered by workers compensation. Most are. The workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers no matter whether an injury is caused by the employers or employee's negligence. But there are some limits. Generally, injuries caused because an employee is intoxicated or using illegal drugs are not covered by workers' compensation.