Feds Cite Missouri Demolition Company After 2 Workers Die

A Missouri demolition company has been cited by federal safety regulators for failing to provide fall protection after two employees suffered fatal injuries at a demolition site in St. Louis.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited World Wrecking and Scrap Salvage Services Inc. and imposed penalties of $23,280.

OSHA said employees were cutting pipes while working from a suspended scaffold when the scaffold collapsed. Inspectors found that the company – owned by Keith Hanford – failed to ensure that employees used a vertical life line and other fall protection; conduct regular inspections of the scaffold equipment; adequately train workers to recognize and avoid fall hazards; and properly ground an electric motor used on the scaffold.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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.

Source: OSHA