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OSHA News Release: [07/29/2004]
Contact Name: Brad Mitchell
Phone Number: (312) 353-4807

OSHA Fines St. Louis Construction Company $280,000 for Deadly Crane Collapse in Toledo

CHICAGO—A St. Louis-based construction company is facing proposed penalties of $280,000 following a crane collapse during the construction of a bridge in Toledo, Ohio, that resulted in four deaths, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced today. The company, Fru-Con Construction Corp., was cited for four willful violations of federal workplace safety and health standards, including failure to comply with the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe operation of cranes.

“This tragic accident could have and should have been prevented,” said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. “We must ensure that employers protect their workers from occupational hazards, so injury and illness rates continue to decline. The significant fines of $280,000 proposed in this case demonstrate the commitment of this Administration to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers.”

OSHA’s investigation of the Feb. 16 accident found that Fru-Con failed to follow the manufacturers’ specifications by failing to sufficiently anchor the crane to the concrete pier segments and pier caps. OSHA also found that the company failed to use any anchoring bars for the rear legs of the crane, and used an insufficient number of anchoring bars for the front legs.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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