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OSHA News Release
2005 - 05/19/2005 - OSHA Cites Florida and Michigan Companies Following Investigation of Fatal Accident in Stuart, Fla.

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Region 4 News Release
Release Number: 05-855-ATL (101)
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2005
Contact: Luis Santiago          Jo Anne Burgoyne
Phone: (954) 424-0242       (404) 562-2076


OSHA Cites Florida and Michigan Companies Following Investigation of Fatal Accident in Stuart, Fla.
Agency Proposes Over $81,000 in Penalties

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Lake Michigan Contractors Inc. (LMC), Holland, Mich., and Kauff's of Fort Pierce Inc. following the investigation of an accident at Sailfish Point Hutchinson Island, Stuart, Fla.

One Kauff's employee was killed and an LMC employee was seriously injured Nov. 21 when they were struck by falling pipes to be used during a beach refurbishment project.

"Both employers were aware that pipes had shifted during transport to the job site and could fall and strike workers assigned to unload them from the trailer," said Luis Santiago, OSHA's Ft. Lauderdale area director. "However, they took no measures to eliminate the hazard."

OSHA issued one willful citation to Lake Michigan Contractors, with a proposed penalty of $49,000, for operating a front-end loader with defective brakes. The company also received six serious citations, with total proposed penalties of $19,250, for failure to use restraining devices while operating heavy equipment; allowing employees to stand under unstable loads; and failing to protect workers from vehicular traffic, provide personal protective equipment -- hard hats and safety shoes --and implement a safety inspection program. An additional citation, with a proposed penalty of $700, was issued for failing to maintain current injury records.

Kauff's received four serious citations, with proposed penalties totaling $12,600, for failing to implement a safety inspection program, protect workers from vehicular traffic and provide personal protective equipment.

The companies have 15 business days to contest the OSHA citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The work site was inspected by OSHA's Ft. Lauderdale area office at Jacaranda Executive Court, Building H-100, 8040 Peters Road; phone: (954) 424-0242.

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 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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U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.


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