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Tue March 19 2024

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Contractor fined $38,000 over formwork collapse

10 May 12 The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Cleveland Cement Contractors Inc for six serious safety violations over a formwork collapse.

Proposed fines total US$38,000 (£23,500) for violations including not following design and construction standards.

Several workers suffered sprains and strains during the 16 December incident in downtown Cleveland when there was a partial collapse of a casino's parking garage during concrete placement.

The violations include failing to properly design, construct and maintain concrete forming and shoring systems; avoid eccentric loading of shoring stringers; secure shoring stringers to shoring heads as needed; adequately inspect forming and shoring prior to and during concrete placement; guard all exposed protruding reinforcing steel; and ensure that workers use face protection while operating a pneumatic hose.

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. "Contractors are responsible for knowing and following recognised construction standards, and ensuring that all proper precautions are taken on job sites to prevent workers from being injured," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."

Cleveland Cement Contractors specialises in the construction of parking garages and other cast-in-situ concrete structures. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission.

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