WTHR |Four Indiana construction firms cited in worker's June death

Four Indiana construction firms cited in worker's June death

Indianapolis - Four Indiana construction companies face fines and citations in connection with the death of a worker in June.

Stanley Roberts died in a June 17th accident at the convention center expansion project in downtown Indianapolis.

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) cited the four companies for OSHA safety violations that it says led to the accident.

Ermco Electric was cited for two serious violations for not adequately marking or covering the excavation area Roberts' lift fell into. Ermco was fined $9,000.

FA Wilhelm was fined $9,000 for the same two safety violations.

Far West Construction Inc. was also fined $3,000 for not adequately marking or covering the 24-inch wide by 24-inch long by 12-inch deep hole.

Harmon Steel was fined $10,000 for failing to provide any warning system, such as a barricade, hand signals or stop logs, to prevent the lift in which Roberts was working to be allowed in the dangerous area.

John P. Daly, an attorney representing the Roberts family, issued the following statement:

"While these fines are not financially significant, they are important to reinforce that construction site safety is the responsibility of all the contractors, not just the workers direct employer. We applaud IOSHA for their thorough investigation and resolve to hold those contractors accountable not only to complete the project on time, but to also protect the lives of Indiana Construction workers."

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