DA critical of OSHA after Hard Rock verdict

• No one was charged with a crime by a grand jury from the 2019 Hard Rock Hotel construction collapse in New Orleans, which killed three people and injured 30.
• The grand jury examined the case but decided not to charge anyone before the deadline.
• A lack of cooperation from OSHA hamstrung the case, according to the New Orleans District Attorney.
• Although the agency investigated the collapse, it “hindered our progress by withholding a crucial report for our review … refusal to disclose all evidence and reports at their disposal severely hampered our presentation,” according to a statement released by the DA.
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OSHA penalizes Florida roofers

• OSHA issued citations to two Florida contractors the agency claims exposed 12 workers to fall hazards at a Davie worksite in April 2023.
• OSHA inspectors observed employees of A1A Roofing Contractor LLC of Loxahatchee working without fall protection on pitched roofs at heights up to 32 feet.
• They also found the subcontractor allowed one worker to use a broken harness and failed to train employees on how to recognize and prevent falls. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in September 2022, resulting in a $6,302 penalty that was reduced to $3,982 in an informal settlement.
• OSHA issued a citation to A1A Roofing for two willful violations, one repeat violation, and three serious violations and proposed $163,044 in penalties. The agency issued Paul Bange Roofing a serious citation and proposed $10,938 in penalties.
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OSHA investigating worker’s death in Washington

• A contract worker at a Stemilt Growers facility in East Wenatchee, Washington, died last week due to a lack of oxygen while in a controlled atmosphere room.
• Randall J. Washut died Oct. 1 at a facility at 88 S. Ward Ave., East Wenatchee, just off Grant Road, east of Pangborn Memorial Airport. It is unclear how long Washut was dead before he was found.
• Washut’s death was ruled an accident and the autopsy concluded the cause of his death was asphyxia.
• OSHA opened a health inspection into incident.
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Illinois firm fined for exposing workers to chemicals

• Emery Air in Rockford, Illinois, was fined $9,375 by OSHA after more than a dozen employees were exposed to a dangerous chemical.
• The original fine came in at $13,394, but an informal settlement is listed on OSHA’s website for $9,375.
• OSHA investigators said Emery Air did not ensure that employees were provided with the information and training necessary to protect them in the event of a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical from a sealed container.
• The chemical exposure caused severe respiratory irritation after the spill. and the Rockford Fire Department classified the injuries as “minor.”
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