OSHA cites Cleveland Cement Contractors for 6 safety violations in casino parking garage collapse

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Cement Contractors Inc. has been cited for six serious safety violations, including not following design and construction standards.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration handed down the citations following an investigation into the partial collapse of Cleveland Horseshoe Casino's second floor parking garage in December.

Several workers suffered sprains and strains during the Dec. 16 collapse.

Proposed fines total $38,000.

A serious violation from OHSA means there's substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"Contractors are responsible for knowing and following recognized construction standards, and ensuring that all proper precautions are taken on job sites to prevent workers from being injured," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."

The six violations include:

- failing to properly design, construct and maintain concrete forming and shoring systems
- avoid eccentric loading of shoring stringers
- secure shoring stringers to shoring heads as needed
- adequately inspect forming and shoring prior to and during concrete placement
- guard all exposed protruding reinforcing steel
- ensure that workers use face protection while operating a pneumatic hose

Cleveland Cement Contractors Inc. specializes in building parking garages and other cast-in-place concrete structures. The company has 15 business days to comply or meet with OSHA's area director to contest the findings.

The casino is slated to open Monday at 9:30 p.m., the first of four Ohio casinos. One of the backers of the venture has said the parking deck will be ready for the much-anticipated opening.