RSSOSHA Investigation Complete – Tecta America Southeast LLC Fined in Worker’s Death
An investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration into the death of a Tecta America Southeast employee ended this past week. OSHA cited the building contractor on four counts of safety violations, totaling $63,900. Officials believe that serious safety hazards present on Tecta job sites must be addressed in an effort to keep employees from harm while on the job.
On October 1, 2015, a 35-year-old man who was employed as a roofer for Techta America was working at a Daytona Beach Ford dealership when the bucket lift used on the job site suddenly shifted forward, pinning him between the bucket and the building. The man died of his injuries at the scene and another employee was severely injured in the accident. The subsequent OSHA investigation found that Tecta America could have prevented the accident by requiring its workers to inspect the lift prior to using it.
Sadly, occupational incidents such as these are all too common in the construction industry. Although many of Florida’s larger construction companies have processes and procedures for safety maintenance and inspection of equipment in place, many smaller contractors do not have formal policies for employees to follow on the job. In addition, the drive to produce results coupled with macho attitudes on the job site may mean that employees do not give safety procedures the respect that they deserve.
And, while senior employees may try to pass on knowledge and safe work habits to newer employees, without a documented process it can be difficult for all employees to receive the same level of training and instruction. All of these obstacles present real challenges to smaller companies for whom meeting deadlines and staying under budget is critical. However, explaining a missed deadline to a customer is far easier than explaining to a family why their loved one did not come home from the job.
If you or a loved was injured on the job at a construction site, please contact us at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).
Sources:
- Roofing Contractor’s Safety Failures Led to Worker’s Death and Another’s Severe Injuries: OSHA
- Orange City Police: Roofer Pinned, Killed Working At Ford Dealership
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.