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Region 5 News Release: 12-870-CHI
May 9, 2012
Contact: Scott Allen      Rhonda Burke
Phone:            312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov      burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Cleveland Cement Contractors for 6
safety violations following investigation into casino parking garage collapse

CLEVELAND – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Cleveland Cement Contractors Inc. for six serious safety violations, including not following design and construction standards, following an investigation into the partial collapse of a casino's second floor parking garage during concrete placement. Several workers suffered sprains and strains during the Dec. 16 incident in downtown Cleveland. Proposed fines total $38,000.

The violations include failing to properly design, construct and maintain concrete forming and shoring systems; avoid eccentric loading of shoring stringers; secure shoring stringers to shoring heads as needed; adequately inspect forming and shoring prior to and during concrete placement; guard all exposed protruding reinforcing steel; and ensure that workers use face protection while operating a pneumatic hose. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"Contractors are responsible for knowing and following recognized construction standards, and ensuring that all proper precautions are taken on job sites to prevent workers from being injured," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."

Cleveland Cement Contractors Inc. specializes in the construction of parking garages and other cast-in-place concrete structures. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Cleveland Area Office at 216-615-4266.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.