OSHA cites company building Interstate 70 bridge near Rocheport for worker fall

ROCHEPORT, Mo. (KMIZ)

Lunda Construction Company has been cited by OSHA after an employee was injured working on the new Interstate 70 bridge over the Missouri River near Rocheport.

OSHA cited the company for two "serious" violations, according to a citation and notification of penalty sent to the construction company.

Per the citation, "employees were exposed to fall hazards when on the job site. The safety system did not stop an employee from falling and hitting a concrete bridge strut approximately twenty-five feet below them, and then falling into the river."

The second item on the citation accuses Lunda Construction of not correcting problems following the accident. Per the citation, "The employer did not reevaluate the effectiveness of written fall protection method planning after accidents, near misses, or observed employee deficiencies."

A spokeswoman for Lunda said last fall that the worker suffered minor injuries.

Employees were exposed to fall hazards when building the bridge and the employer did not reevaluate fall plans, OSHA says.

Each item on the citation runs a fine of $15,625, making a total proposed penalty of $31,250.

Lunda Construction Company will have the opportunity to contest the citations.

We have reached out to Lunda for a comment and are waiting to hear back.

OSHA was unable to comment due to the investigation being on-going.

Check back for updates to this developing story.