A common practice may have caused Seattle crane collapse

The investigation into last month’s crane collapse that killed four people in Seattle is ongoing. The possibility that tower bolts or pins were removed early, while the crane was being dismantled in gusty but not exceptional winds, will be a focal point for investigators. Several crane experts who have examined photos and videos of the crash say pins may have been removed early. Seattle Times

 

Painter injured in fall at Connecticut shipyard

A painter at the Groton, Connecticut shipyard was injured last week when she fell about 25 feet while powerwashing a confined space. The probationary employee was found unconscious, face-down in water. Fed-OSHA is investigating. The Day (New London, Conn.)

 

Spokane man rescued from overturned mini-excavator

A worker who was pinned in a ditch by a mini excavator he was operating in the backyard of a house in Spokane, Washington on Saturday suffered a broken arm. The man reportedly was digging a 4-feet deep ditch for a new sewer system when the accident occurred. Spokesman-Review

 

Workers recovering Utah burn center after explosion

Two technicians were injured Thursday in an explosion and fire at an industrial facility in Lockwood, Montana, that fire officials say was caused when a gas-powered engine ignited gasoline vapor from a tanker they were cleaning. The company is a nationwide chain of facilities that clean, maintain and sell industrial tank trailers and trucks. KPVI (Pocatello, Idaho)

 

Trench collapse deaths rising despite being preventable

Safety experts say a construction boom can also result in trench collapse deaths or serious injuries, even though they are entirely preventable when safety measures are followed. From 2011 to 2016, 130 people died in the U.S. as a result of cave-ins from trenching or excavating, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The figures show the highest number of fatal incidents were 25 in 2015 and 36 in 2016. Dayton Daily News

 

North Carolina contractor fined $98K for fall protection violations

Fed-OSHA has cited Charlotte, North Carolina-based construction contractor for failing to provide fall protection at a commercial building site in Springfield, Missouri. The company faces more than $98,000 in proposed penalties. According to the agency, the company has been cited for more than 15 fall violations since 2014. Construction & Demolition Recycling

 

Fed-OSHA in settlement talks with Texas plastics plant

Fed-OSHA and a Texas rotational molder company have reached an informal settlement of $143,500 in penalties, down from $281,000 as originally proposed. Citations include two willful violations for exposing employees to fall hazards, as well as failing to inspect cranes, provide employees with forklift training and implement lockout/tagout procedures to prevent amputations. Plastics News