A 25-year-old working on a six-story residential project at Florida State University died after being struck and crushed by a material/personnel elevator carriage not enclosed on all four sides.
After an investigation of the July 28, 2014 fatality, OSHA found that Miller's Plumbing and Mechanical Inc. allowed a window-frame opening in a building under construction to be uncovered, thus exposing workers to the hazard of being struck and crushed by the elevator carriage as it passed within inches of the opening. Citations were issued to Miller’s, along with Culpepper Construction Co. Inc., Benchmark Erectors Inc. and Fleck Exterior Systems Inc., all based in Tallahassee, for serious and willful safety violations.
General contractor Culpepper Construction Co. and Miller's Plumbing each were issued a willful citation for exposing workers to crushing hazards. Additionally, Benchmark Erectors and Fleck Exterior Systems were each cited with one serious violation for the same safety hazard.
Proposed penalties for the four companies total $149,800. View current citations at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/MillersPlumbing_987167.pdf*.
Culpepper Construction Co. provides constructing management design-and-build services. Miller's Plumbing installs and services commercial plumbing and mechanical systems. Benchmark Erectors specializes in historical, commercial and security window sales and installation. Fleck Exterior Systems installs insulation finish systems and stucco.
Bureau of Labor Statistics data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries shows fatal work injuries in Florida accounted for 234 of the 4,405 fatal work injuries* reported nationally in 2013. Additional details are available at http://www.bls.gov.
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 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.
