OSHA: Bryant structural steel collapse could have been prevented

SMITHFIELD – Barnes Building & Management Group is facing a proposed fine of $59,290 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration in connection with a structural steel collapse at Bryant University in September that injured six workers.
OSHA said Wednesday that the Weymouth, Mass.-based company failed to erect the steel framework for an indoor practice facility properly, and that the Sept. 1 incident could have been prevented.
OSHA said the contractor did not erect the framework according to the manufacturer’s plan, and that the contractor also failed to install adequate bracing to ensure the framework’s structural stability during erection. OSHA said these conditions led to the collapse and worker injuries.
OSHA has issued citations on Feb. 8 to the company for one willful and one serious violation of workplace safety standards.
According to OSHA, Barnes Building & Management Group has 15 business days from receipt of its citation and proposed penalty to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

“Stability needs to be maintained throughout the steel erection process so that a collapse such as this one does not occur. Barnes Building & Management Group knew this and also knew it needed to follow the manufacturer’s erection plan. Instead, the company chose to disregard these important safeguards, resulting in a needless and preventable collapse and injuries,” Patrick Griffin, OSHA’s Rhode Island area director, said in a statement.

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