Cal/OSHA Cites Disney Construction For Death of Deaths of Two Workers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's California branch recently cited Disney Construction, Inc. $106,000 for safety violations that contributed to the deaths of 2 bridge workers.

The two men, Marcus Zane Powell, 25, of Los Gatos, and Glenn Hodgson, 49, of Richmond, were working on a construction project that included building a bridge in Winters, California when they fell to their death. This initially appeared to be a tragic incident with no one taking fault. After a thorough investigation was conducted by Cal/OSHA, however, it was determined that several safety violations occurred on the day of the incident.

Cal/OSHA investigators say the crane on which the two workers were operating was not checked for defects beforehand, and Disney Construction, Inc. failed to perform a test run to ensure the crane was operational and safe for workers to use. A third violation that allegedly occurred is the lack of a qualified signal person on site while the two men were using the crane.

So, how did this incident occur? The work crew on site were using a pile drive during the construction of the bridge when one of the cables broke near the top. Powell and Hodgson raised themselves about 80 feet into the air using the crane to check on the cable, at which point the rigging platform became unstable, sending the two men falling to their deaths.

Cal/OSHA Chief Julian Sum shared some insight into the incident and subsequent citation, saying Disney Construction, Inc. failed to follow proper safety protocols -- an action that ultimately led to the deaths of 2 workers.

"Specific regulations are in place to operate cranes safely. This incident is a sobering reminder of the tragedies that can occur when safety protocols are not followed," said Acting Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum.

OSHA has standards in place regarding the use of cranes and other heavy machinery. Among these standards includes proper inspection and testing, as well as training operators.

Christine Baker, whom also workers with Cal/OSHA, explained the safety regulations in place for crane operators.

"Employers in California are required to perform regular equipment inspections to identify and prevent mechanical problems that can lead to tragedy," said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Cal/OSHA, formally known as the division of Occupational Safety and Health, is a division of DIR.