Steelworker says concrete supports were removed prior to New Orleans hotel collapse

A steelworker who was on the 17th floor of the half-built Hard Rock Hotel when it collapsed last month says temporary support posts were removed just three days after heavy concrete was poured on the building’s top floor. The top floors of the building pancaked eight days after the concrete was poured, killing three workers and injuring dozens more. Several workers have said project leaders emphasized completing the construction quickly in order to meet a target opening date. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Contractor convicted in fatal trench collapse

The owner of a drain pipe company has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the drowning of two workers just over three years ago in Boston when the walls of a trench collapsed and a nearby hydrant ruptured, overwhelming them with a rush of water. The defense tried to blame the city for failing to maintain the hydrant, but prosecutors argued the contractor did not shore up the trench. He’s scheduled to be sentenced in early December. WBZ (Boston)

Massachusetts advocacy group claims UPS did not report fatal crash

According to the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health, UPS failed to report to Fed-OSHA a crash that killed a driver in early October, but a UPS spokesman disputes MassCOSH’s claim. The 51-year-old man was standing outside his truck in Marlborough when he was struck by a car. MetroWest Daily News

Construction worker killed by falling equipment on Connecticut energy plant site

Fed-OSHA is investigating after a 39-year-old construction worker at a renewable energy plant construction site near Plainfield, Connecticut was killed October 27 while replacing an expansion joint with a crew. A tension system apparently failed and dropped a heavy piece of equipment on him. Hartford Courant

Complaint prompts VOSHA investigation of odor at medical center

Vermont OSHA last week responded to an employee complaint of an unidentified odor at the University of Vermont Medical Center’s Fanny Allen campus that resulted in 17 employees seeking medical attention with symptoms consistent with exposure to carbon monoxide. VtDigger

Nine steps to optimize a plant safety program

If just getting started or if looking to optimize a safety program at your company, here are nine steps to consider. Cutting Tool Engineering