US Department of Labor cites Homestead drywall service employer after 22-year-old worker suffers fatal head injury at Miami Beach worksite
In a recent workplace investigation, the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that a Homestead drywall contractor could have prevented a tragic incident by following required safety regulations. The incident, which occurred in July 2023 at a residential construction site in Miami Beach, resulted in the death of a 22-year-old worker who suffered a fatal head injury.
Failure to Follow Safety Regulations
According to investigators, the incident happened when a scaffold pulley system failed while workers were hoisting buckets of concrete. As a result, the hoist arm of the pulley system detached from the scaffold and struck one worker on the head. The investigation revealed that the employer, Stucco Works Inc., failed to make employee safety a priority, leading to the loss of a young worker’s life.
OSHA’s Findings
As a result of the investigation, OSHA has proposed $75,000 in penalties for Stucco Works Inc. The company has been cited with 12 serious violations, including:
- Subjecting workers to struck-by hazards from a pulley-hoisting device not installed per the manufacturer’s directions.
- Exposing employees to eye and skin irritation while mixing cement and performing stucco work.
- Failing to develop and use a hazard communication program.
- Failing to establish an accident prevention program, subjecting workers to fall and struck-by hazards.
- Allowing workers to use unsafe scaffolding.
- Exposing workers to struck-by hazards and falls of up to 27 feet.
- Failing to train workers who erected and worked from scaffolding, exposing workers to fall and struck-by hazards.
In addition, OSHA found two other-than-serious violations, including the company’s failure to maintain OSHA injury and illness records and exposing workers to trips and fall hazards due to cluttered materials and debris stored throughout the work area.
The fine imposed on Stucco Works Inc. amounts to $74,555, as determined by federal statute.
Appealing OSHA’s Findings
Stucco Works Inc. has chosen to contest OSHA’s findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Implementing Workplace Safety Measures
Employers in the construction industry should prioritize workplace safety to prevent similar incidents. Here are some practical tips and advice for implementing safety measures in the workplace:
- Ensure all hoisting devices are installed according to the manufacturer’s directions to prevent struck-by hazards.
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves, to protect workers from eye and skin irritation while working with cement and stucco.
- Develop and implement a hazard communication program to educate workers about potential hazards and safety procedures.
- Establish an accident prevention program that includes fall protection measures and proper use of scaffolding.
- Regularly inspect scaffolding to ensure it is safe for use and provide training to workers on its proper erection and use.
- Keep work areas free from cluttered materials and debris to prevent trips and falls.
- Maintain accurate injury and illness records as required by OSHA.
By following these safety measures, employers can create a safe working environment and protect their workers from potential hazards.
Resources for Workplace Safety
For more information on developing a workplace safety and health program, visit OSHA’s website. Employers can also contact OSHA for assistance with compliance and access free resources to help them meet OSHA standards.