RSSOSHA Cites Construction Company in Deadly Florida Scaffolding Accident
New developments from the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration have surfaced regarding a fatal scaffolding collapse accident in Miami Gardens which tragically claimed the lives of three men last September, after the gin pole rigging device that was attached to a 1000 ft. television tower failed, causing them to fall to their death below.
An investigative team from OSHA has ascertained that Tower King II Inc., a communications tower contractor based out of Cedar Hill, Texas, “failed to ensure the capacity of the rigging attachments were adequate to support the forces imposed from hoisting loads.” They have since been fined approximately $13,000 in penalties, the maximum allowed by law, for “exposing employees to fall and struck-by hazards,” according to one citation. The company has fifteen business days to “comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission,” according to a press release.
The three young workers involved in this terrible wrongful death construction accident, contractors 35-year-old Rodriguez, 31-year-old Goffena, and 23-year-old Barber were in the process of installing an upgrade to the already existing antenna that transmits for Local 10 & WSVN. The originally transmitter was installed in 2009 when digital transmissions were in their first infancy.
Tower King II Inc. has a history of safety violations and issues, including six previous citations, which were resolved either by paid by fines or coming into compliance. And although this particular type of workplace accident is extremely rare, (only thirteen people have died in cellular/television tower falling incidents since 2011), fatal construction accidents themselves certainly are not. Different types may include:
Falls from Ladders
Crane Accidents
Safety Equipment Failure
Forklift Accidents
Structure Collapse
…and more.
It can be difficult enough dealing with the loss of a loved one, let alone having to deal with the potential legal ramifications of it all. If you or a loved one have been involved in an Orlando construction accident, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY to schedule a free initial consultation.
Read More:
OSHA cites TV tower contractor after gin pole lifting device collapses, killing 3 workers
Authorities say failed device caused TV tower to fall, killing 3 workers
OSHA Joins Investigation After 3 Workers Killed In Scaffold Collapse
3 killed when TV tower scaffolding collapses
THREE WORKERS DIE AT MIAMI TV TOWER COLLAPSE
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.