Tuesday, October 24, 2017

OSHA fines Ski Masonry LLC $201, 354 after worker Dakota J. Marshall, 21, electrocuted to death; has added the company to its Severe Violator Enforcement Program


Dakota Jonathan Marshall, 21 of Ford City, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh, following a work-related accident.





The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a Pittsburgh masonry contractor for exposing workers to serious dangers including fall and electrical hazards after an employee was fatally electrocuted in April.

On April 20, 2017, OSHA conducted an investigation of Ski Masonry LLC after a 21-year-old laborer doing restoration work at a Pittsburgh residence was electrocuted. The residential and commercial masonry contractor received two willful and five serious citations for violations, including knowingly allowing employees to work within 10 feet of overhead, energized, and uninsulated electrical lines, failing to provide fall protection, and using scaffolding without a secure base plate.

“Ski Masonry knowingly took unacceptable risks when performing masonry work close to overhead powerlines,” said OSHA Area Office Director Christopher Robinson, in Pittsburgh. “Companies must assess their worksites and follow all safety requirements to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”

OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $201,354, and has added the company to its Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.


Dakota Jonathan Marshall, 21 of Ford City, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh, following a work-related accident. He was born March 17, 1996, in Carson City Nev., the son of James R. and Dorothy J. Craig Marshall. He was a masonry laborer in the restoration industry. Dakota loved restoring old Fords, shooting guns, and spending time outdoors. He will always be remembered as highly motivated, hard-working, and for his love of helping others. In addition to his parents, he is survived by three brothers, Jerramy Babb, and his wife, Marie, of Carson City Nev., David Carson, of Jeannette, and Dylan J. Marshall, of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Cheyanna LeBaron, of Cowensville, and Jade Marshall of Ford City; his maternal grandmother, Peggy Dellera, of Ford City; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his significant other, Valeria Smathers. 

SKI Masonry LLC has been providing Masonry services to Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Westmorland County, and suburbs for over 14 years. Some of the Masonry services that they offer are:
  • Masonry Restoration of Brick, Stone, and Block Buildings
  • Church Restoration
  • Any Type of Chimney Restoration
  • Brick, Stone, and Block Laying
  • Brick Pointing
  • Stone Pointing
  • Pointing
  • Stucco
  • Custom Mortar Colors to Match Existing Colors (100's of colors to choose from)
  • We will match your existing Mortar Color
  • We will Strike New Mortar Joints to Match Existing
  • Steel Lintel Replacements
  • ​Whole House Pointing
  • Making and Filling In New Masonry Openings for Windows, Doors, and Vents
  • ​Parapet Restorations