Florida Contractor Cited for Workplace Safety Violation that Contributed to Fatal Fall

On October 29th, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that two construction contractors—Phoenix Rigging & Erecting and Maxim Crane Works—failed to properly protect a worker from a deadly 30-story fall from a high-rise building in Fort Lauderdale. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that they comply with all applicable state and federal safety regulations. OSHA has proposed a collective $61,299 in financial penalties on the two companies—an amount that is the maximum allowed by federal law.

27-Year-Old Worker Killed in Fatal Fall Accident in Fort Lauderdale in 2024 

In April 2024, a tragic accident occurred at a residential high-rise building in Fort Lauderdale. During construction being conducted, a 27-year-old construction worker named Jorge de la Torre died in a fall accident. He died after falling approximately 30 stories during a crane collapse at a residential construction site. After a comprehensive investigation, the DOL determined that the fatal accident could have been prevented if the companies had taken the proper safety precautions.

Enforcement Action: Five Serious Workplace Safety Violations 

As noted previously, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a statutory maximum of $61,299 of financial penalties against Phoenix Rigging & Erecting and Maxim Crane Works. These contractors are based in Georgia and Pennsylvania respectively. Here is a more comprehensive overview of the workplace safety violations: 

• Failure to Repair Corroded Pins/Bolts on Crane (Both Companies): Both Phoenix Rigging & Erecting and Maxim Crane Works failed to identify and replace corroded and cracked pins or bolts on the crane, crucial for maintaining structural integrity. Corroded/cracked pins and bolts are a serious defect. These increase the risk of a crane collapse dramatically. It should be addressed before work begins.
• Failure to Conduct Pre-Inspect of Crane Components (Both Companies): Investigators found that neither Phoenix Rigging & Erecting nor Maxim Crane Works conducted required pre-inspections of crane components before work commenced. These inspections are essential to identify potential hazards like the aforementioned corroded components. The lack of such safety checks compromised the structural integrity of the crane. Investigators observed this to be a serious failure.
• Failure to Ensure Adequate Fall Protection (Phoenix Rigging): Phoenix Rigging & Erecting was specifically cited for not ensuring that their employees used adequate fall protection while working at heights. The company’s failure to enforce the use of fall protection equipment—a fundamental safety requirement—was a critical and fatal error. More than 20 percent of all workplace deaths in the United States happen in the construction industry. The leading cause of construction site fatalities is falls from height. Proper fall protection is an absolute must. It is something that should never be overlooked during operations.

 Speak to Our Florida Employment Lawyer Today 

Employers have a responsibility to ensure that the health, safety, and well-being of their workers are properly protected. If they violate workplace safety standards, they may face serious sanctions. If you have any questions about a workplace safety issue, a top Florida employment lawyer can help.