YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
In its report, dated Sept. 23, OSHA filed a citation against project general contractor Morelock-Ross Builders. The citations were based on OSHA’s May 2–10 investigation of the work site.
The citations state that the building’s “formwork was not designed, fabricated, erected, supported, braced and maintained” to support vertical and lateral weight loads that would reasonably be anticipated on the building.
Additionally, the report said that the builders failed to instruct employees on site of the hazards of working underneath the framework during the concrete pouring operation. The report said workers should have avoided the footprint of the building during the process, as “trusses sagged under the weight of the concrete being poured.”
These citations, labeled “serious” by the administration, carry penalties of $3,600 for Morelock-Ross.
The report also says that the citation “does not constitute a finding that a violation … has occurred unless there is failure to contest” or the citation, if contested, is affirmed by a review commission or court.
Morelock-Ross has contested the findings of the investigation.
In a prepared statement released Nov. 3, the company said, “Morelock-Ross Builders has been cleared of any responsibility in the collapse of the Community Foundation building by the findings of an independent third-party engineer. The report found that the building collapse was caused by inadequate design of the structural support of the building. Morelock-Ross’s actions were in accordance with the plans and specifications for the building. Morelock-Ross Builders looks forward to an appeal of OSHA’s findings.”
The third-party engineer was Scott Consulting Engineers of Springfield, which filed its analysis of the collapse July 12.
Kansas City area OSHA Director Manuel Olmedo could not be reached for further comment on the report.
If the contest to the citation is not successful, the builder is required to submit written proof that it has remedied the situations discussed in the report and pay the monetary penalties associated with them.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit is pending in Greene County Circuit Court against project engineer Smith-Goth Engineers Inc. and architect Hood-Rich Inc. among other contractors and suppliers.
One of the injured workers, William Brack, filed the suit Aug. 24, claiming negligence by the defendants. Brack, whose leg was broken during the collapse, is seeking past and future lost wages and medical expenses. Morelock-Ross is not named in the suit.
Project background
In March, the Great Southern Community Development Corp. announced that a new headquarters for Community Foundation of the Ozarks, 425 Trafficway, would be its first project. The10,000-square-foot facility would give the foundation the space to meet its rapidly expanding needs.
After the collapse, building plans were altered. Construction has resumed and the building should be complete by the end of the year.
Click here for OSHA’s report.
Click here for Morelock-Ross Builders' full response and Scott Consulting Engineers' analysis.
This story originally appeared in SBJ’s Nov. 3 breaking e-news. Click here to register.[[In-content Ad]]
Taking shape on 3.5 acres just east of State Highway H/Glenstone Avenue in the area of Valley Water Mill Park are the Fulbright Heights Apartments – three 23,000-square-foot buildings with 24 units each for a total of 72 one- and two-bedroom apartments.