Ross Plastering, Inc.: OSHA inspections and violations

Incident on Nov 21, 2008: Four employees are injured when scaffold collapses

At approximately 12:15 p.m., on November 21, 2008, four employees were working o n a scaffold that was being erected in the courtyard of a multi-unit apartment c omplex under construction. Two of the employees were erecting the scaffolding. T he other two employees were part of a crew that was delivering drywall. The scaf fold was being erected in two side by side sections that were bridged. The weste rn section of the scaffolding was completed under the direction of a Qualified S caffold Erector. The eastern section of the scaffold was being erected after the completion of the western section. The eastern section was erected by another c rew. The eastern section of scaffolding was built up to the fifth level, approxi mately 32 ft 3 in. high. A Gradall Model No. 544-D entered the courtyard through the north entrance with a bundle of green board drywall. Based on conflicting w itness statements, and no direct evidence, if it is not clear whether or not the Gradall struck the scaffolding. Employees #1, 2, 3, and 4 were injured when the scaffold collapsed. Three of the employees fell to the ground. One employee was able to jump from the scaffold into a window opening. An investigation revealed that not all of the required ties between the scaffold and the buildings were i nstalled. Employee #1 was hospitalized for unspecified fractures. Employee #2 wa s hospitalized for a concussion. Employees #3 and 4 were hospitalized for unspec ified contusions and abrasions.