Cal/OSHA Cites Three Contractors More Than $145,000 for Oakland Structure Collapse

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA has cited three contractors $147,315 for safety violations after investigating the collapse of a temporary mold (formwork) and vertical shoring at an Oakland construction site that sent 13 workers to the hospital.

On May 26, workers at 3039 Broadway, a 435-unit mixed-use project, were pouring concrete into elevated formwork when the shoring system supporting the formwork collapsed. The workers fell some 20 feet along with freshly poured concrete, reinforcing steel, timber framework, and tools and equipment. One worker's injuries required surgery.

"Significant safety lapses caused injuries that could have been much worse if the workers hadn't landed in freshly poured concrete," said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. "Employers must identify, evaluate and correct unsafe working conditions and follow all requirements to prevent employee injuries and illnesses."

Cal/OSHA's investigation found that the formwork and vertical shoring system that collapsed were not properly designed, installed or inspected. Cal/OSHA issued serious and serious accident-related citations to subcontractors Largo Concrete, Inc. and N.M.N. Construction, Inc. for $73,365 and $70,320, respectively, for failure to ensure that the formwork and vertical shoring were designed to safely withstand all intended loads, failure to have calculations and drawings approved by a California registered civil engineer as required for vertical shoring over 14 feet tall, and failure to ensure the shoring supports were erected on a level and stable base. General citations were issued to general contractor Johnstone Moyer, Inc. for $3,630 in proposed penalties.

Cal/OSHA addresses safety requirements for concrete construction and vertical shoring in its Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry.

Cal/OSHA, officially known as the Department of Industrial Relations' (DIR's) Division of Occupational Safety and Health, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services. Cal/OSHA has also published a wealth of helpful guides for employers and workers.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers' Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or Lucas Brown at 510-286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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SOURCE Cal/OSHA