Occupational Safety and Health Administration News

Construction Worker Dies After Falling from University of Kentucky Roof

Authorities say a construction worker died after falling from the roof of a building at the University of Kentucky. Media reports say 47-year-old Michael Persichitti died after falling about 30 feet Friday at the site of the new student center …

Fatal New York City Crane Collapse Blamed on Operator Error

New York City officials are blaming a crane collapse that killed a man in lower Manhattan in February on operator error. The city Department of Buildings said Friday the crane operator failed to secure the 565-foot crane the night before …

3 Texas Companies Rack Up $277K in Penalties for Safety Violations

Together, three Texas companies are facing federal penalties totaling more than $277,000 for failing to provide safe environments for their employees. During the past two weeks, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited and fined CPE Feeds Inc. …

Circus Operator to Pay $24K Over Deadly Tent Collapse in New Hampshire

A Florida-based circus operator has agreed to pay $24,000 in fines issued by federal safety officials for a tent collapse that killed two people and injured dozens in New Hampshire last year. Robert Young, 41, and his 6-year-old daughter, Annabelle, …

Nebraska Grain Facility Fined Nearly $527K over Worker’s Death

Federal safety regulators have proposed nearly $527,000 in penalties against the operators of a northeast Nebraska grain facility where a worker was fatally injured. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in a news release that it cited Prinz Grain …

Contractor Lacked Safety Permit Before Pennsylvania Bridge Fire

A contractor didn’t obtain a key safety permit before welding caused plastic pipe and a construction tarp to burn on the Liberty Bridge last month, resulting in a 24-day shutdown of a primary artery into downtown Pittsburgh, the city’s fire …

Worker Safety Measures Questioned After Employee Killed in Atlanta Hotel Freezer

Federal regulators and hotel employees are calling for new safety measures after a worker was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta. Investigators believe Carolyn Mangham spent about 13 hours at temperatures below …

Ohio Etching Plant Fined $256K for Workplace Safety Violations

Federal safety inspectors are recommending that a Cleveland, Ohio, etching company face $256,000 in penalties for safety and health violations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration posted an imminent danger notice at A-Brite Plating in April after learning a 40-year-old …

Cargo-Handling Firm Fined Nearly $339K for Workplace Hazards at O’Hare Airport

Federal safety workplace officials have cited a major cargo-handling company for exposing forklift operators at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to struck-by and electrical hazards, and proposed penalties of more than $338,000. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said this is …

Trench Safety Hazards Lead to $121K in Fines for Austin Contractors

Two Austin, Texas, construction contracting firms are facing more than $121,000 in combined fines for workplace safety violations involving trenching hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Sept. 6 cited Austin Constructors LLC and Muniz Concrete and Contracting Inc. …