Region 5 News Release:   V-161
Aug. 13, 1999
Contact: Peggy Zweber
PHONE: (309) 671-7033

Proposed Penalty Totals $51,750

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations alleging three safety and health violations to DSI Constructors Inc. in Washington, Pa., following a fatality in Granite City, Ill. The proposed penalties total $51,750.

According to Peggy Zweber, OSHA's area director in Peoria, Ill., the agency conducted an inspection at a steel blast furnace on route 203 in Granite City. OSHA began the inspection after a worker fell 45 feet to his death through an inadequate guardrail system. The fatality occurred on April 19 while the blast furnace was being relined.

OSHA issued citations alleging one serious and two willful violations for failure to ensure that necessary safety precautions were taken by the firm.

The proposed serious citation was issued for failing to perform adequate safety and health inspections over a two-day period to detect and correct the fall hazard.

The proposed willful citations were issued for failing to provide adequate conventional fall protection for employees working on an open-sided platform, and allowing work to proceed in front of a guardrail with a missing 23-inch portion of its mid-rail without installing an anchor point and lifeline for employees.

DSI Constructors Inc. is located at 455 Race Track Road, Washington, Pa.

OSHA defines a serious violation as one in which there is a substantial probability that a death or serious physical harm could result from a hazardous condition, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

OSHA defines a willful violation as one in which the employer knew that a hazardous condition existed but made no reasonable effort to eliminate it and the hazardous condition violated a standard, regulation, or the Occupation Safety and Health Act.

DSI Constructors Inc. has fifteen working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

This information will be made available for the sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice Phone: (312) 353-6976; TDD Message Referral Phone: 1-800-8004571.