The six companies fined were Messer Construction Co., the project’s construction manager; J&B Steel Erectors, Pendleton Construction Group, D.A.G. Construction Co., Jostin Construction Inc. and Triversity Construction Company. The companies have 15 days from Monday to pay the fines or appeal or request a meeting with the area OSHA director, according to the citations.
“OSHA issued citations to all six companies because we felt that all of the companies were directly involved in the pouring of the foundation,” said OSHA spokesman Scott Allen. “Each one of the companies bore a responsibility to ensure the OSHA standards were in compliance.”
Thirteen workers were hurt when the Cincinnati casino floor collapsed while under construction at the former Broadway Commons site at Reading Road and Broadway and Court streets.
Work was initially suspended at the site while the investigation took place.
At the time, officials said a beam buckled as workers poured concrete at the site. Some of the injuries were serious, but the men who were injured have reportedly recovered.
Work at the site has resumed at the casino, which is expected to open in the spring of 2013.
OSHA began its investigation the day of the collapse.
According to the citations, all six companies failed to:
• ensure metal decking and working surface strength and structural integrity were maintained before and after concrete work had begun;
• initiate or maintain an inspection program at the job site to ensure strength and structural integrity was maintained and supported; and
• ensure protection of employees working on or within the structure, exposing them to the hazard potential associated with crushing injuries from a structural collapse and fall potentials of 25 feet.
All companies except for Jostin Construction also did not have an adequate number of bolts, welds and other equivalent supports as part of the structural steel assembly during the pouring of concrete which created an overload condition of the work area.
“Serious” violations are issued if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.
J&B Steel Erectors was also cited for an “other-than-serious” violation. The company was fined $19,600.
J&B Steel President and owner Toya Estes said the company’s attorney would release a statement today.
Messer Construction was fined $25,200, but company President and CEO Tom Keckeis said he “respectfully disagrees” with the findings.
Messer Construction Co. spokeswoman Tiffany Witham said the company plans to meet with the Cincinnati-area OSHA director.
About the Author
