May 15, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Nebraska Steel Erection Company After Employee Dies from Fall Injury

FREMONT, NE – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Daubert Construction – based in Fremont, Nebraska – for failing to protect employees from fall hazards.

An employee suffered a fatal injury after falling approximately 16 feet through an unguarded skylight. Inspectors determined that the Fremont, Nebraska, employer allowed employees to work on a mobile scaffold platform elevated with a forklift; and failed to train employees to recognize fall hazards. OSHA proposed penalties of $19,890.

“Falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of fatalities for construction workers,” said OSHA Omaha Area Office Director Jeff Funke. “This tragedy could have been prevented if the employer had provided a fall protective system, and trained workers to recognize and avoid fall hazards.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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.

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 help 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.

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Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov
 

Release Number: 19-656-KAN

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).