Police report: operator error may have caused Bryant building collapse
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
It looks like operator error may be the cause of the accident that trapped 6 construction workers after the steel skeleton of a building collapsed on top of them at Bryant University. The police report gives new insight into the terrifying accident.
According to the report a worker who had not been injured told the responding officer the crew was trying to "plumb the building when the crane operator must have pulled the steel beam too far which caused the building to collapse."
OSHA investigators returned to the Smithfield campus Wednesday. Their job is two fold. Compliance officers are working to figure out what caused the indoor practice facility on campus to topple and to determine if there were any safety violations.
“If we determine that there was any type of violation then there could be citations and monetary penalties,” said Patrick Griffin, Area Director for OSHA.
The facility was under construction by AZ Corp. ABC6 is told that Massachusetts based Barnes Buildings and Management Group was erecting the steel. Records show that company has an alleged violation against them from another project, but Barnes is contesting OSHA’s findings.
“That case is not closed right now. It’s still in litigation,” explained Griffin.
At last check, 3 of the workers remained in good condition at Rhode Island Hospital. 3 more have been treated and released. Once they’re all out of the hospital, OSHA plans to interview the injured men.
Only two of the victims were from Rhode Island. The other four are from out of state. Smithfield Fire Chief Robert Seltzer says the workers appeared to have been wearing appropriate safety gear at the time of the accident.
“A couple of them that were working higher up on the steel had the harnesses on so that as it fell it was supporting them and it made it safer for them as the whole thing collapsed,” said Seltzer.
The collapse may have been captured on time–lapse cameras that were documenting the construction for Bryant. OSHA says they are very interested in that video. By law they have 6 months to complete their investigation, but OSHA officials doubt it will take that long.
© WLNE-TV 2015
