The five companies have collectively received seven violations, totalling US$86,658 in proposed penalties.
The pedestrian bridge at the Florida International University campus in Miami collapsed in March and the cause is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (link opens in new tab).
OSHA’s proposed fines relate purely to the impact on people working on the project; one employee died and five others sustained serious injuries. Five members of the public were also killed by the collapse and several others were injured.
Citations have been issued to:
- civil and structural engineering company Figg Bridge Engineers Inc;
- construction engineering and inspection firm Network Engineering Services Inc (doing business as Bolton Perez & Assoc),
- specialist in the post-tensioning of bridges and buildings Structural Technologies LLC (being the exclusive licensee for VSL’s systems within the USA);
- bridge and building construction company Munilla Construction Management LLC; and
- the Structural Group of South Florida Inc, a contractor specializing in concrete formwork.
OSHA’s investigation determined that the companies failed to protect workers when indications of a potential bridge collapse were evident. Violations included exposing employees to crushing and fall hazards; and allowing multiple employees to connect to an improperly installed lifeline.
“Collectively, these employers failed to take appropriate action and provide the necessary protections to their employees while they were working on the bridge on the day it collapsed,” said OSHA regional administrator Kurt Petermeyer.
The companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission.
