OSHA Cites Bridge Builder For Safety Violations

June 15, 2000
OSHA cited RECCHI America Inc.-GLF Construction Corp. and proposed\r\npenalties totaling $94,500 for safety violations at a Brunswick, Ga.,\r\nbridge construction site.

OSHA cited RECCHI America Inc.-GLF Construction Corp. and proposed penalties totaling $94,500 for safety violations at a Brunswick, Ga., bridge construction site.

According to Luis R. Santiago, OSHA''s Savannah area director, a formal complaint triggered the April 3 inspection of the Sidney Lanier bridge construction project.

OSHA found three serious violations and three repeat violations -- one''s similar to those for which the company was cited at the same location in August 1999 -- as a result of the inspection.

The alleged violations included:

  • using improper rigging equipment;
  • exceeding crane loading capacities;
  • failing to train employees in flagging and rigging operations;
  • improper storage of compressed gas cylinders;
  • failing to barricade the swinging radius of crane superstructures; and failing to secure cranes to barges.

"Employers should take seriously the safety and health of their employees," said Santiago. "Following OSHA standards, providing adequate training and maintaining a safe workplace are sound investments for employers. Failing to take safety precautions can cost heavily in human suffering as well as financially."

RECCHI America Inc.-GLF Construction Corp. has 15 working days to contest OSHA''s citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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