More communication tower workers were killed on the job in 2013 than in the previous two years combined. Thirteen communication tower workers were killed in 2013, compared to 6 fatalities in 2011 and 2 fatalities in 2012.
In addition to the rise in fatalities in 2013, four more tower-related deaths have occurred in 2014. Three of those deaths occurred in Clarksburg, West Virginia when two towers collapsed as workers were making structural repairs. One of the towers, standing 300 feet tall, collapsed as workers were removing bracing in the course of reinforcing the legs of the tower, killing two of the workers. The collapse of the first tower put stress on the guy wire of a second tower, which also collapsed and killed a firefighter responding to the scene.
The increased fatalities in 2013 and the rash of fatalities early in 2014 has caught the attention of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA"). The agency recently announced that it will be increasing its enforcement efforts in the communication tower industry. Accordingly, firms who construct and/or maintain communication towers should review their safety policies and ensure that their operations are in strict compliance with all applicable OSHA regulations. Such firms should also be prepared for increased scrutiny, including increased inspections and more severe penalties for violations.
In addition to the rise in fatalities in 2013, four more tower-related deaths have occurred in 2014. Three of those deaths occurred in Clarksburg, West Virginia when two towers collapsed as workers were making structural repairs. One of the towers, standing 300 feet tall, collapsed as workers were removing bracing in the course of reinforcing the legs of the tower, killing two of the workers. The collapse of the first tower put stress on the guy wire of a second tower, which also collapsed and killed a firefighter responding to the scene.
The increased fatalities in 2013 and the rash of fatalities early in 2014 has caught the attention of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA"). The agency recently announced that it will be increasing its enforcement efforts in the communication tower industry. Accordingly, firms who construct and/or maintain communication towers should review their safety policies and ensure that their operations are in strict compliance with all applicable OSHA regulations. Such firms should also be prepared for increased scrutiny, including increased inspections and more severe penalties for violations.
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