December 23, 2021

US Department of Labor cites two contractors after 25-foot fall fatally injures one carpenter,
seriously injures another at Bradenton Beach project
OSHA's investigation finds failure to identify, mitigate hazards; report fatality

BRADENTON BEACH, FL – Two men doing framing work at a residential construction project in Bradenton Beach on June 23, 2021, had no warning when the platform beneath them failed, causing both to fall about 25 feet – roughly two stories – to the ground. Head trauma killed a 49-year-old carpenter and crew leader, who died at the scene. The second worker, a 40-year-old carpenter, suffered fractures to his leg, knee, ribs and nose, and needed transport to a local hospital.

An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration found their employer, Alejandro Carpentry Inc. failed to have a competent person train the workers to recognize fall hazards. OSHA also cited the Bradenton Beach company for not hiring a registered professional engineer to design the scaffolding system, and failing to anchor or brace the outrigger's beams properly.

In addition, OSHA cited the company for failing to report a work-related death to the agency within 8 hours, as the law requires. Alejandro Carpentry faces $41,739 in proposed OSHA penalties.

"One man's family is left to grieve, and another man suffered serious injuries because Alejandro Carpentry did not take the necessary steps to prevent this tragic event,” said OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida. "Falls continue to be a leading cause of death and serious injury in the construction industry. OSHA encourages industry employers to contact our staff to recognize and address safety hazards so their workers can return home safely at the end of the day.”

The investigation also found the project's prime contractor, Lighthouse Property Innovations LLC of Holmes Beach did not have a competent person conduct frequent and regular inspections of the job site, or materials and equipment to identify and mitigate safety and health hazards. These violations led OSHA to propose $4,096 in penalties.

The companies have 15 business days from receipt of their 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.

OSHA provides useful information on protecting roofing workers and the required use of fall protection in construction.

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 workers by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

Learn more about OSHA.

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Media Contacts:

Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov
Erika B. Ruthman, 678-237-0630, ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov

Release Number: 21-2196-ATL (348)

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