Poor Training Results in Worker Killed in Crane Collapse

De Pere, WI (WorkersCompensation.com) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Lunda Construction Co. of Black River Falls with three serious safety violations after a worker was struck by a section of the crane he was assembling and killed April 20. OSHA initiated an inspection in response to the incident, which occurred at a construction site on Highway 41 south of Schuering Road near De Pere.

The violations involve failing to train workers and provide written procedures on safe crane assembly, provide a competent person to supervise the assembly and disassembly of the crane, and follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures for assembly of the American 5299 crawler crane. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"Failing to train workers in the proper operation and use of equipment is a prime contributor to injuries and fatalities in the workplace," said Frank Winingham, OSHA's area director in Appleton. "If Lunda Construction had followed safety standards, this incident may have been prevented."

Lunda Construction previously had been inspected by OSHA 14 times since 2007, resulting in citations for seven violations.

Proposed fines following the latest inspection total $21,000; the maximum fine OSHA may assess per serious violation is $7,000. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.