Fines handed down over power plant collapse that killed two.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has handed down fines to two demolition companies involved in a power plant collapse that killed two workers back in December 2020. The workers were killed when a 14-storey structure fell at the Killen Power Plant. The bodies of the two men lay undiscovered and unrecovered for several weeks, including the Christmas period.
OSHA investigated the project and has now cited two Michigan companies: general contractor Adamo of Detroit; and SCM Engineer Demolition Inc. of East China. Both were cited both for multiple safety violations, including violations of the general duty clause and failing to inspect the site regularly to detect potential hazards resulting from the demolition process, such as weakened or deteriorated floors, walls and loosened material.
OSHA also determined that the companies allowed employees to continue working under hazardous conditions without adding shoring, bracing, or other means to steady the structure, and failed to train them on identifying potential hazards.
“Some of the most dangerous construction projects are those that involve demolishing buildings,” said OSHA Area Director Kenneth Montgomery in Cincinnati. “This tragedy could have been prevented if the employer protected their workers with proper planning, training and appropriate personal protective equipment and by complying with OSHA standards.”
OSHA proposed penalties of $181,724 to Adamo for one willful, repeat, serious and other-than-serious safety violations. SCM Engineer faces penalties of $12,288 for three serious violations.
Both companies have 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.
According to local news reports, Adamo plans to contest the findings. Adamo spokesman Patrick Crowley says: “Adamo does not agree with the citations and has contested that there was a violation and will be communicating with OSHA regarding an informal resolution to the citations.”
