Getty Images
Fallprotection 5ef3443e68994

16-year-old Dies at Nashville Construction Site

June 24, 2020
The accident occurred at 315 Interstate Dr., a La Quinta Inn job site.

Summer normally is filled with gatherings, laughter and fun as well as teens looking to enter the workforce for the first time.

On June 23, a 16-year-old worker fell to his death at a La Quinta Inn hotel construction site in downtown Nashville.

Gustavo Enrique Ramirez was a part-time employee for Cortez Plastering, a subcontractor on the project. According to news reports, Ramirez and his brother were completing work at heights.

Around 3 p.m., his brother heard a noise and watched as Ramirez fell from scaffolding at 120 ft. While his brother immediately called emergency services, Ramirez did not survive. Detectives who arrived at the scene noted that no fall protection was observed being worn at the job site.

Young workers often are unaware of the dangers they face in the workplace. OSHA states that workers between the ages of 16 and 17 are permitted to work on construction sites at a limited capacity. For teens under the age of 16, appropriate tasks would include office or sales work.

The Fair Labor Standards Act further dictates that 16-year-olds should not perform in certain hazardous occupations. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 160,000 Americans under the age of 18 are injured on the job every year.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to memorialize Ramirez.

About the Author

Stefanie Valentic

Stefanie Valentic was formerly managing editor of EHS Today, and is currently editorial director of Waste360.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
With the right workplace health and safety training, your organization can reduce risk and protect your employees.
June 23, 2025
This article covers the key steps to build a reliable SDS management program, from organizing your inventory and sourcing updated SDS to ensuring easy access and regular maintenance...
June 23, 2025
It's time to get a bit more granular and start to examine the types of metrics EHS departments should be tracking, starting with lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR).
June 23, 2025
With the number of lone workers on the rise, here are five facts every employer should know about lone working.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!