OSHA Fines Company $415,204 Following Fatal Fall

Friday, April 10, 2020 | 0

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined an Oklahoma company $415,204 following an investigation into a fatal fall in October 2019.

An employee of Skinner Tank Co. was constructing a storage tank at a Missouri agricultural facility when he fell 50 feet to his death.

OSHA alleges Skinner Tank Co. violated federal fall protection standards by allowing its employees to work at heights of more than 25 feet above ground without sufficient fall protection. The company also allegedly allowed workers to use damaged fall protection equipment and failed to train employees on fall protection hazards and safety precautions.

OSHA also cited Skinner Tank Co. for multiple violations of safe crane operation standards, including failing to train operators and signalers, improper rigging of hoisted materials, failing to have a competent person inspect crane operations and equipment, and exposing employees to hazards from working beneath crane loads.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.