A 16-year-old tragically died after an aerial boom bucket he was in brushed a high-voltage line while working on a roof in Great Bend, Kan. The incident raises serious questions about child labor law enforcement and safety.
Two federal investigations found a Chicago-area framing contractor — already owing over $100,000 in fines — continues exposing employees to deadly fall hazards without required protection, defying U.S. Department of Labor requests.
A devastating microburst hit West Phoenix last Wednesday evening with 77 mph winds, causing a warehouse roof collapse that trapped and killed a 22-year-old worker; it took rescuers three days to locate the body using K-9s, drones, and heavy equipment.
This year's focus is on providing resources for businesses on job hazard analysis, which is becoming increasingly more important to construction firms on large jobsites.
Four roofing companies, including a serial offender that owes more than $4 million in fines, have received a combined total of $1.27 million in penalties from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
The Department of Labor cited S&L Roofing, Gutters and Siding LLC for endangering the owner’s 12- and 14-year-old sons after it was discovered the minors were working on roofs without fall protection, leading to $64,759 in penalties.
OSHA fined a Georgia construction contractor more than $61,000 after a 54-year-old laborer died from a 19-foot fall at a Macon, Ga. warehouse; the citation was due to failures in fall protection, reporting, and other safety violations.