US Department of Labor cites 2 Florida construction contractors after finding lack of crane safety protocols led to 37-year-old employee’s fatal injuries

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US Department of Labor cites 2 Florida construction contractors after finding lack of crane safety protocols led to 37-year-old employee's fatal injuries

Employers failed to ensure ground conditions were adequate to support the crane

ORLANDO, FL - Federal workplace safety investigators have determined that a Tampa-area construction contractor could have prevented a 37-year-old aerial lift operator from suffering fatal injuries after being struck by a boom as a crane tipped over during work on an Orlando highway ramp in October 2023.

Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration found the incident occurred while employees of Concrete Impressions of Florida Inc. in Tampa and Adcock Cranes Inc. in Plant City installed precast concrete sound barrier panels on the southbound SR-417 ramp.

OSHA determined the Concrete Impressions operator was working in an aerial lift as a 10,700-pound panel was being lifted into place by an Adcock Cranes employee. During the process, an outrigger gave way and tipped the 110 Liebherr cranetoward a slope, which struck the employee on a lift in the crane's swing radius.

"The death of any worker is a terrible loss that leaves their family, friends and co-workers devastated. Their pain only worsened when learning the tragedy could have been prevented," said OSHA Area Office Director Erin Sanchez in Orlando, Florida. "Our investigation found Concrete Impressions and Adcock Cranes failed in their responsibilities to provide employees with a safe work environment."

OSHA cited Adcock Cranes with one serious violation for not ensuring the ground conditions were adequate to support the crane while lifting sound barrier panels. The agency proposed $16,131 in penalties for Adcock Cranes.

The agency also cited Concrete Impressions of Florida with one serious violation for allowing workers to take apart and use extension ladders to reach sound barrier panels and one other-than-serious violation for the contractor not documenting the required 12-month record of the inspections of a chain used to lift sound barrier panels. The agency has proposed $4,839 in penalties for the employer.

Construction safety standards that prevent workplace incidents involving mobile, overhead and rail-mounted cranes are industry standards; they were enacted following a high rate of injuries and fatalities related to crane operation in the construction industry. The department's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 12 crane operators died in 2022.

Since 1988, Concrete Impressions of Florida Inc. has manufactured sound barrier walls and operates manufacturing plants in DeLand, Lakeland, Pompano Beach and Tampa. The company began offering wall systems installations as a subcontractor in 2003.

Founded in 2015, Adcock Cranes provides crane for hire services for construction projects.

The company 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. Learn more about OSHA and fall protection.

Visit OSHA's Cranes and Derricks in Construction webpage for information on protecting the safety of workers who operate cranes and those working in proximity to crane operations.

Visit OSHA's website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

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