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Department of Labor Logo OSHA News Release -
Atlanta
Region


Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
Region 4 News Release: 06-1936-ATL (264)
Date: Monday, October 30, 2006
Contact: Luis Santiago Jo Anne Burgoyne
Phone: (954) 424-0242 (404) 562-2076


U.S. Labor Department's OSHA Cites Two Florida Contractors Following Investigation of Triple Fatality at Miami Beach Job Site
Agency Proposes More Than $328,000 in Penalties

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited two Florida construction companies following the investigation of a roof collapse in which three workers were killed. The fatal accident occurred May 6, at One Bal Harbour on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.

The agency has proposed penalties totaling $297,500 for Southland Forming and $30,525 for the general contractor Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction.

Three Southland employees died when formwork and poured concrete for the roof level of a condominium building collapsed, trapping them on the level below. A fourth worker was hospitalized with serious injuries.

OSHA issued four willful citations to Southland, with maximum proposed penalties of $280,000, for failing to design and erect formwork that would adequately support the weight of concrete being placed upon it; failure to properly position and ensure stability of shoring posts; and failure to conduct inspections during the concrete pour.

The company, based in West Palm Beach, also received four serious citations, with proposed penalties of $17,500, for failing to determine that planned formwork would not support a change to the roof design; to assure that shoring and support posts were properly erected; and to properly train employees.

Naples-based Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction also received four serious citations, with proposed penalties of $30,525. Two, directly related to the accident, were for exposing workers to the collapse by failing to assure that structures were designed to support concrete and posts were properly attached to formwork. The other citations were for allowing a load that was raised by a crane to be lifted above workers and failing to adequately light a stairway, exposing workers to struck-by and tripping hazards.

The companies have 15 days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by staff from OSHA's area office in Fort Lauderdale, located at Jacaranda Executive Court, Building H-100, 8040 Peters Road, phone (954) 424-0242.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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