ConDig (18-Sept-18).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined five construction companies following a pedestrian bridge collapse in Florida in March that resulted in the death of one employee and serious injuries to five others.

The five companies collectively received seven violations, totaling $86,658 in proposed penalties.

OSHA cited civil and structural engineering company Figg Bridge Engineers Inc; Network Engineering Services Inc; post-tension company Structural Technologies LLC; Munilla Construction Management LLC and The Structural Group of South Florida Inc., which is a contractor specializing in concrete formwork.

The agency said its 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 A. Petermeyer.

The companies have 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

A total of six people were killed when the bridge collapsed onto Southwest Eighth Street on March 15 at the Florida International University campus in Miami.