Federal investigators cite Jefferson City contractor after construction death

Federal investigators have cited Weathercraft Inc. with one serious violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general duty clause after a man collapsed and died on Aug. 18, 2016.

According to OSHA regional director Karena Lorek, 47-year-old Darren Laird collapsed on August 17 from heat stroke while working on the roof of Helias High School. OSHA said Laird was taken to the hospital with a core body temperature of more than 107 degrees. It was his third day on the job.

“His needless death underscores how critical it is for employers to ensure that workers are acclimated to heat conditions,” Lorek said. She said that is the best way employers can save lives.

OSHA cited Weathercraft for $12,471. Lorek said that was maximum penalty for a “serious” violation allowed by law. Lorek said that amount increased this year for the first time since the 1990s when it was around $7,000.

Lorek said heat related deaths are absolutely preventable. OSHA said employers are required to provide employees with adequate water, shade, and rest breaks.

One sign of heat stroke is mood and personality changes such as confusion or irritability. Employers are required to train their employees on the signs of heat stroke, as well as be aware of those signs and symptoms themselves.

“If there is any indication of heat stroke, immediately call 911, move the employee to a cooler location and provide water to try and reduce the core body temperature,” Lorek said. “In the summer of 2016, nationwide, OSHA conducted more than 200 heat related inspections and unfortunately 13 of them were fatalities.”

OSHA also has a heat index app employers can use. Direct sunlight can increase the heat index by up to 15 degrees. The heat index the day Laird collapsed was 90 degrees.

Weathercraft has received at least four OSHA citations in the past, however none of those were heat related. ABC 17 News found four violations for failing to provide fall protection and one violation for failure to provide fire protection.

Weathercraft Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Lorek said Weathercraft self-reported this incident, as they are required to do within eight-hours.

Any employee can contact OSHA about possible workplace violations by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)