OSHA cites Robertson Incorporated Bridge and Grading Division after 16-year-old laborer dies at Delta, Missouri, construction site

DELTA, Mo. — A 16-year-old laborer was fatally struck by the swinging cab and boom of a crane being disassembled by Robertson Incorporated Bridge and Grading Division at a construction site in Delta on June 18, 2014. A U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation found the crane operator was unaware that the teen was directed to stand in an inadequately marked danger zone. The teen also was not provided required protective headgear. OSHA cited the company for 13 serious safety violations.

"This is a tragic death involving a teenager who should not have been allowed to work on the job site. Clearly, the law prohibits children from being involved in the disassembly of heavy-duty construction machinery," said Bill McDonald, OSHA's area director in St. Louis. "Robertson Incorporated Bridge has a responsibility to train workers in hazards, adequately mark hazardous operations areas and provide competent supervision and protective equipment."

In addition to the struck-by hazard that resulted in this young man's death, OSHA's investigation found a lack of employee hazard recognition training contributed to the fatality. The company also failed to document required inspections of the crane's wire rope and hook.

OSHA found multiple safety violations that included worker exposure to fall hazards of nearly 7 feet from unguarded machine platforms and failure to implement procedures, such as machine guarding that protects workers from contacting operating machinery parts, exposing workers to serious amputation risks and hazards. These violations are among the most frequently cited violations by OSHA and put workers at risk for amputation and injuries. Robertson Incorporated Bridge also failed to inspect portable fire extinguishers or train employees in their use.

A serious violation occurs 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.

OSHA has proposed penalties of $44,730.

The department's Wage and Hour Division also assessed civil money penalties of $11,000 for violating Hazardous Order Number 7, which prohibits minors under age 18 from operating or assisting in the operation of power-driven hoists.

Robertson Incorporated Bridge has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's St. Louis Area Office at 314-425-4249.

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 ensure these conditions exist for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.