May 26, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Tower Company After Fatal Fall at Worksite in Mississippi

STARKVILLE, MS – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Pegasus Tower Co. for exposing employees to falls after a fatality at a Starkville, Mississippi, worksite. The tower building company faces $140,720 in penalties.

An employee suffered a fatal fall from a communications tower while attempting to connect two sections during the construction. OSHA cited the Calico Rock, Arkansas-based company for failing to ensure employees used fall protection, and designate, identify and train employees to provide rescue in the event of an emergency.

“This tragedy underscores the legal requirement to implement a safety program that effectively addresses the hazards associated with communication tower work,” said OSHA Jackson Area Office Director Courtney Bohannon.

OSHA’s Communication Towers webpage provides resources on appropriate fall protection, and requirements employers must follow to ensure the safety of workers who climb telecommunications towers to perform construction activities.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contacts:

Michael D’Aquino, 678-237-0630, daquino.michael@dol.gov 
Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number:  20-961-ATL (203)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).