FEBRUARY 25, 2009 – After a five-month investigation, Cal-OSHA has determined that Paramount Scaffolding is responsible for the deadly walkway collapse on August 28th. The wooden walkway cover that collapsed was intended to protect pedestrians from construction being performed on the Studio 15 apartment complex at the intersection of Imperial Avenue and 15th Street. The report found that the scaffolding company stacked scaffolding planks and metal frames against the walkway cover on the day of the collapse. A crane operator warned the crews that the pressure was bowing the walkway cover. No one responded to the warning, and the collapse occurred approximately 30 minutes later. Fourteen people were injured and one man, Tyrone Allen, recently died from his injuries. Mr. Allen’s family had previously sued Paramount Scaffolding as well as Studio 15 Housing Partners and Allgire General Contractor Inc. for negligence. They are now amending their lawsuit to a wrongful death claim. The scaffolding company will be fined $10,120 for violations of state safety regulations.
Find more like this: Construction Accidents, Wrongful Death