An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor determined that The de Moya Group Inc. of Miami violated federal workplace safety standards which contributed to the death of a construction worker.
According to a press release, one Florida worker was killed and another sustained serious leg injuries when the aerial lift they were working on was struck by a suspended concrete pile, causing them to fall 35 feet. The supporting crane was allegedly situated on unstable soil causing it to shift causing the 35,000-pound concrete pile to break free from its restraints and strike the lift’s boom, knocking the two workers off the lift and into the street below.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigators issued citations to The de Moya Group for violating federal safety standards including failing to ensure the ground was firm and that the crane had adequate support, using a crane with a modified swing control exposing employees to the hazard of being struck by the crane or load and not completing monthly crane inspections as required.
“This tragedy never should have happened. A worker lost his life and a co-worker suffered life-altering injuries because The de Moya Group failed to follow industry-recognized and federally required safety measures,” Condell Eastmond, OSHA Area Office Director in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said according to the press release. “Employers should use this tragic incident as a reminder to review their workplace safety practices and give their workers every opportunity to return to their families at the end of each workday safely.”
The company also received a citation for using a crane with a broken load indicator and failing to ensure that modified crane controls did not compromise its ability to operate safely. According to the press release, the proposed penalties amount to $58,942. The company is contesting these findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, an independent body.
