MEC&F Expert Engineers : 07/05/18

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Raymond H. Kilmartin Jr., a 55-year-old country club worker, pinned to his tractor seat by a tree he was hauling has died at Hiland Park Country Club in Queensbury, New York when the load shifted and the tree pinned his upper body to the seat.





It is with great sadness that we have to share the news of the sudden passing of our mechanic J.R. We are helping his family to raise funds for the funeral arrangements. If you would like to help with this cause, please follow the link below. 

We will also be hosting a BBQ Buffet in the Heron at Hiland this Friday, July 6th starting at 5pm. 100% of proceeds will be donated to J.R.'s family.
Thank you,
The Hiland Family

It is with a great sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of one of our staff members  - Raymond Kilmartin (J.R.)  On the morning of Wednesday July 4th, he was injured in a tragic accident. Due to his injuries, our mechanic J.R. passed away on Wednesday afternoon. We here at Hiland are heartbroken by the turn of events. J.R. was a Son, Father, Grandfather and had a lot of family that depended on him. At this time his family is in need of help to pay for funeral arrangements. We are doing all we can to help raise funds which are needed urgently. All proceeds from this campaign will be donated to the Kilmartin family in efforts to cover medical and funeral expenses.

Thank you,

The Hiland and Kilmartin Families 

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Queensbury country club worker dies after tree pins him to tractor

July 05, 2018 

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (AP) -

Police say a 55-year-old country club worker pinned to his tractor seat by a tree he was hauling has died.

The Warren County Sheriff's office says Raymond H. Kilmartin Jr. was dumping debris with a tractor on Wednesday at Hiland Park Country Club in Queensbury, New York when the load shifted and the tree pinned his upper body to the seat.

A nearby homeowner heard him shouting for help, but had trouble locating Kilmartin through the thick tree line.

A bystander and employees at country club near the southern edge of the Adirondacks found Kilmartin and lifted the tree from his body.

He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he died.

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Hiland Park Country Club worker dies in accident


QUEENSBURY, NY — 


An employee of the Hiland Park Country Club died from his injuries after becoming pinned against a tree Wednesday morning while attempting to move debris.


Police identified the man as 55-year-old Queenbury resident Raymond H. Kilmartin Jr. Kilmartin was working with a bucket loader to dump material near the club’s first hole, when the load shifted and pinned his upper body against the seat, according to a news release from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.


Kilmartin was alone at the time and shouted for help. A homeowner from a nearby development heard him, but because of the thick tree line was unable to see him. They were able to communicate with each other for a short period of time and the homeowner called 911, according to police.


A bystander and employees at the country club located Kilmartin and lifted the tree from his body. Fire and EMS personnel arrived on the scene and began lifesaving efforts.


Kilmartin was transported to the Glens Falls Hospital and then airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he later died from his injuries, police said.


The incident was investigated by members of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and assisted by the Bay Ridge Fire Department, Bay Ridge Rescue Squad and West Glens Falls Rescue Squad.

FINAL DESTINATION? Larry Oluwo, 59, of Wyandanch, was killed when a tractor trailer lost a tire thanthen struck a car in the westbound lanes of Sunrise Highway in North Babylon, LI




Man Killed In Southern State Crash Identified: Report
The 59-year-old was killed in a 2-car crash on Monday.
By Priscila Korb, Patch Staff

June 5, 2018


NORTH BAY SHORE, NY — The man killed in the Southern State Parkway crash on Monday has been identified as Larry Oluwo, 59, of Wyandanch, according to a report in Newsday.

NORTH BAY SHORE, NY — One person is dead after a 2-car crash on the Southern State Parkway in North Bay Shore on Monday morning, according to State Police.

The crash occurred on the eastbound parkway, east of Fifth Avenue (Exit 42) at about 8:39 a.m.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 black Nissan Rouge struck the rear of a 1998 green Jeep Wrangler causing the Jeep to leave the roadway and stop on the south shoulder, police said.

The Nissan left the roadway and struck a tree in the center median. The operator of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Jeep was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore with complaints of pain.

The State Police are requesting that anyone who may have information concerning the incident to please call (631) 756-3300.


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Person killed when tire hits car on Long Island highway



A person was killed when a tractor trailer lost a tire on a Long Island highway Thursday afternoon


NORTH BABYLON, Long Island (WABC) -- A person was killed when a tractor trailer lost a tire on a Long Island highway Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened around 2:15 p.m. in the westbound lanes of Sunrise Highway in North Babylon.

Authorities say the truck was traveling on NY 231, which crosses over Sunrise Highway, when it lost the tire.

The tire then dropped onto the highway and struck a car. Someone inside the vehicle was killed, but it was unclear if it was the driver or a passenger.

Another car was also involved in the crash.

All lanes of westbound Sunrise Highway and the service road are closed at Robert Moses.


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A Wyandanch man was killed Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash on the eastbound Southern State Parkway in North Bay Shore, State Police said.

Larry Oluwo, 59, died after his 2017 Nissan Rogue crashed into the rear of a 1998 Jeep Wrangler about 8:39 a.m. east of Fifth Avenue, which is Exit 42, officials said.

Eastbound lanes of the parkway were closed until about 2:30 p.m. due to the accident, a State Police spokesman said.

The Southern State Parkway exit ramp leading to the southbound Sagtikos State Parkway was also closed, the spokesman said.

Police asked anyone with information on the crash to call 631-756-3300.

Cal/OSHA is advising employers that special precautions must be taken to protect workers from hazards from wildfire smoke.




Cal/OSHA Issues Advisory for Worker Safety in Wildfire Regions
Oakland—Cal/OSHA is advising employers that special precautions must be taken to protect workers from hazards from wildfire smoke.
Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases, and fine particles that can harm health. The greatest hazard comes from breathing fine particles, which can reduce lung function, worsen asthma and other existing heart and lung conditions, and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Guidance for employers and workers on working safely in conditions with heavy smoke caused by the wildfires is available on Cal/OSHA’s web page, including frequently asked questions about N95 masks for employers and workers.
Employers with operations exposed to wildfire smoke must consider taking appropriate measures as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program under Title 8 section 3203 of the California Code of Regulations and as required under section 5141 (Control of Harmful Exposure to Employees). Those measures include:
  • Engineering controls whenever feasible (for example, using a filtered ventilation system in indoor work areas)
  • Administrative controls if practicable (for example, limiting the time that employees work outdoors)
  • Providing workers with respiratory protective equipment, such as disposable filtering facepieces (dust masks).
    • To filter out fine particles, respirators must be labeled N-95, N-99, N-100, R-95, P-95, P-99 or P-100, and must be labeled approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
    • Approved respiratory protective equipment is necessary for employees working in outdoor locations designated by local air quality management districts as “Unhealthy”, “Very Unhealthy” or “Hazardous”.
      • It takes more effort to breathe through a respirator and it can increase the risk of heat stress. Frequent breaks are advised. Workers feeling dizzy, faint or nauseated are advised to go to a clean area, remove the respirator and seek medical attention.
      • Respirators should be discarded if they become difficult to breathe through or if the inside becomes dirty. A new respirator should be used each day.
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.
Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices

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Cal/OSHA Guidance on Exposure to Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires and severe smoke can create dangerous conditions for not only firefighters, but also for the public, especially those with chronic health conditions.

Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases, and fine particles that can harm health. The greatest hazard comes from breathing fine particles, which can reduce lung function, worsen asthma and other existing heart and lung conditions, and cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may have symptoms or health problems. The best thing to do is to limit your exposure to smoke. Depending on your situation, a combination of the strategies may work best and give you the most protection from wildfire smoke. The more you do to limit your exposure to wildfire smoke, the more you’ll reduce your chances of having health effects.

Cal/OSHA Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Guidance

Because of the increased risk of exposure to wildfire smoke,  Cal/OSHA is advising employers that special precautions must be taken to protect people and workers from the hazards from wildfire smoke and has issued special guidance for employers.
To protect workers exposed to wildfire smoke, employers must consider taking the following measures as part of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program under Title 8 section 3203 of the California Code of Regulations and as required under section 5141 (Control of Harmful Exposure to Employees):
  1. Engineering controls whenever feasible (for example, using a filtered ventilation system in indoor work areas)
  2. Administrative controls if practicable (for example, limiting the time that employees work outdoors)
  3. Providing employees with respiratory protective equipment, such as disposable filtering facepieces (dust masks).
    • To filter out fine particles, respirators must be labeled N-95, N-99, N-100, R-95, P-95, P-99, or P-100, and must be labeled approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
    • Approved respiratory protective equipment is necessary for employees working in outdoor locations designated by local air quality management districts as “Unhealthy,” “Very Unhealthy,” or “Hazardous.”
  4. Because breathing through a respirator can increase the risk of heat stress, Cal/OSHA recommends workers take frequent breaks. Medical attention should be sought if a worker begins to feel dizzy, faint or nauseous. Lastly, respirators should be discarded if they become difficult to breathe through or if the inside becomes dirty.
  5. N95 respirator mask distribution points – N95 respirator masks are available at the following County Emergency Operations Centers.
  6. For instructions on using filtering facepieces, see “Using Disposable Respirators” in English and Spanish.

N95 Respirator Info

Confidence and familiarity with proper respirator practices is important for employers, respiratory protection program managers, and safety managers in all industries who rely on N95 respiratory protection to help keep workers safe. The education to build this familiarity must happen before the time comes when a respirator is needed.

N95 Day observance is dedicated to highlighting the N95 filtering facepiece respirator information. It is also used to disseminate important information about powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), half mask, and full facepiece respirators (elastomerics). #N95Day on social media.

Public Health Threats from Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

Know if you are at risk
  • If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, emphysema or asthma, you are at higher risk of having health problems from smoke.
  • Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people.
  • Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.
Recommendations for people with chronic diseases
  • Have an adequate supply of medication (more than five days).
  • If you have asthma, make sure you have a written asthma management plan.
  • If you have heart disease, check with your health care providers about precautions to take during smoke events.
  • If you plan to use a portable air cleaner, select a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or an electro-static precipitator (ESP). Buy one that matches the room size specified by the manufacturer.
  • Call your health care provider if your condition gets worse when you are exposed to smoke.


OSHA has cited Bakery Management Corp., doing business as Bakery Corp., for exposing employees to caught-in, fall, and electrical hazards. The Miami-based commercial bakery faces proposed penalties of $67,261.




July 3, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Miami Commercial Bakery
For Exposing Employees to Electrical and Fall Hazards

MIAMI, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Bakery Management Corp., doing business as Bakery Corp., for exposing employees to caught-in, fall, and electrical hazards. The Miami-based commercial bakery faces proposed penalties of $67,261.

OSHA has cited the company for allowing employees to use improperly grounded portable fans, for failing to train employees to operate a powered industrial truck, for not taking defective ladders out of service, and for failing to provide eyewash equipment for employees working with corrosive chemicals.

“Employers must monitor work areas for the presence of hazards, and put effective controls in place to protect employees,” said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Office Director Condell Eastmond. “This employer’s disregard for safety and health standards is putting employees at risk for serious injuries.”

Bakery Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of the 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

OSHA cited BC Direct Corp. - doing business as Robotray - for exposing employees to struck-by, electrical shock, fire, and explosion hazards. The company faces $42,682 in proposed penalties.




July 3, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites South Florida Manufacturer
for Exposing Employees to Safety Hazards

MIAMI, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited BC Direct Corp. - doing business as Robotray - for exposing employees to struck-by, electrical shock, fire, and explosion hazards. The company faces $42,682 in proposed penalties.

OSHA cited the Miami-based manufacturer of bakery rack loaders for allowing employees to use spliced extension cords as well as for failing to properly store chemical cylinders and anchor machinery.

“Employers are required to assess the hazards in their workplaces and implement procedures to protect workers from serious or fatal injuries,” said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Office Director Condell Eastmond.

BC Direct Corp. 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.


The citation is provided here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OPA/newsreleases/OSHA20181062.pdf

OSHA cited Bluewater Construction Solutions Inc. for exposing employees to dangerous falls at two south Florida worksites. The Melbourne, Florida-based residential framing contractor faces proposed penalties of $48,778.









July 3, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Bluewater Construction Solutions
For Exposing Employees to Falls at Two Florida Worksites

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Bluewater Construction Solutions Inc. for exposing employees to dangerous falls at two south Florida worksites. The Melbourne, Florida-based residential framing contractor faces proposed penalties of $48,778.

OSHA cited the contractor for failing to use a guardrail, safety net, or personal fall arrest systems. The inspections were part of the Agency’s Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction.

“Employers are required to install fall protection systems when employees work at heights of 6 feet or above,” said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Office Director Condell Eastmond. “This employer is putting workers at risk of serious injury by failing to comply with these standards.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

Construction worker Joseph Robert Henley, of Spartanburg, died after he fell at the old Inman Mills construction site on 4th Street in Inman, SC






SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SC (WSPA) - 

The Spartanburg County Coroner's Office said a 24-year-old man died after he reportedly fell at a construction site on Monday in Inman.

According to coroner's office news release, Joseph Robert Henley, of Spartanburg, fell at a construction site on 4th Street.

Henley was then taken to Spartanburg Medical Center, where he died on Tuesday.

Coroner Rusty Clevenger said they are working to gather information on the reason for Henley's fall.

An autopsy was scheduled to determine the cause and manner of Henley's death.

Henley's sister, Heather Henley, issued a statement on behalf of their family following the death of her brother:


Joejoe, (the name we called him ever since he was little) was loved by so many. He had a good heart and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He was a hard and dedicated worker, and had a huge motivation to succeed with anything in life he would do. He was the best brother, son, grandson, cousin and boyfriend to his loved one and my family and joe will be missed so much. 




MAN DIES AFTER INMAN CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENT (7/3) - From Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger:

I regret to inform that my office began an investigation late this morning into the death of a gentleman who reportedly fell at a construction site yesterday. 24 year old Joseph Robert Henley of Adelaide Drive in Spartanburg was working at a site on 4th Street in Inman on 7/2/2018 when it is reported he fell. We are attempting to gather info on the reason for the fall at this time. The decedent was transported to Spartanburg Medical Center where he later passed. An autopsy will be scheduled to determine cause and manner of death. Please keep the family and friends of Joseph in your thoughts and prayers during this time.



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Family of man who took deadly fall at construction site releases statement 




July 04, 2018
By Jennifer Phillips





  Family of man who took deadly fall at construction site releases statement. (Courtesy: Henley Family) 


INMAN, SC (FOX Carolina) -

Sherrell Blakely lives only feet away from history.

"I can remember my grandpa walking out of the mill coming across the steps and then coming across the road," Blakely said.

She lives across the street from the old Inman Mills. It's a place where her family worked and a neighborhood where they lived.

"There was a snow storm hit. And the doctor had to come and deliver me here at my grandpa's house," she said.

The mill now has a sign that reads Inman Lofts. It's a construction site for new apartment homes.

"I'm glad they're repairing it, fixing it up instead of just destroying it because that has a lot of history in Inman," Blakely said.

But, recently neighbors say blaring sirens from fire trucks and an ambulance drowned the sound of construction work.

"I heard a lot of sirens going on, but I had no idea what happened," Blakely said.

Investigators say 24-year-old Joseph Henley fell from a construction site on 4th Street, which is the address for Inman Mills.

"It wasn't just like one time, it was several times. So, I figured it was the ambulance," Blakely said.

Crews rushed Henley to Spartanburg Regional where he later died.

"So young," Blakely said as she shook her head.

Henley's sister, Heather Henley released this statement:

"JoeJoe, (the name we called him ever since he was little) was loved by so many. He had a good heart and would give the shirt off of his back to anyone in need. He was a hard and dedicated worker and had a huge motivation to succeed with anything in life he would do. He was the best brother, son, grandson, cousin and boyfriend to his loved one and my family and joe will be missed so much."

"Prayers to him and all the ones who were involved," Blakely said.

Because Blakely understands how special family is.


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The Inman Mills are a historic textile mill complex at 240 4th Street in Inman, South Carolina. The mill complex includes a large main mill building and a number of smaller buildings, some attached, as well as a smokestack. The main building is a large rectangular four-story brick building with largely bricked-over segmented-arch window bays, and a five-story central tower. The mill was built in 1902 for the Chapman family, and was designed by the prominent regional mill architect W.B. Smith Whately. The mill was closed in 2001, and was for many years one of the city's major employers. The mills were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.