OSHA fines Mortenson and Berwald Roofing for U.S. Bank Stadium fatality
Jun 15, 2016, 5:39pm CDT
Jim Hammerand Digital Editor Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
An investigation into the death of a U.S. Bank Stadium construction worker has led to fines against builder M.A. Mortenson Co. and contractor Berwald Roofing Co.
Berwald employee Jeramie Gruber, 35 of Northfield, died after falling 50 feet at the downtown Minneapolis Minnesota Vikings football stadium in August 2015.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration records show the workplace safety agency levied a $34,300 fine against Golden Valley-based Mortenson for a "serious" violation of general safety and health provisions ( defined here).
North St. Paul -based Berwald Roofing was cited for three violations:
$70,000 for a "willful" violation of fall protection system requirements ( defined here)
$44,100 for a "serious" violation of general safety and health provisions
$25,000 for a "serious" violation of OSHA's general duty clause, which requires compliance with safety standards and offer employees a workplace "free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm."
Mortenson and Berwald have not said whether a safety harness was worn by Gruber, who died of blunt force injuries of the head, or by another worker who was injured in the same Aug. 26 accident. Berwald has a history of safety violations, mostly related to workers not using safety harnesses or having guardrail protections.
The two companies are contesting the penalties, OSHA records show.
"Mortenson continues to work with OSHA regarding a final determination relative to its citation," Mortenson Senior Vice President John Wood said in a prepared statement Wednesday.
"We were and remain deeply saddened by this terrible accident and understand how devastating it has been for all those affected by it, especially the families involved," the statement continued. "At Mortenson, safety is a core value and we are committed to eliminating the risk of injury on all of our projects. We will never lose that focus and we will continue to ensure it is the foremost priority.”
Berwald Roofing is cooperating with OSHA "to reach a final determination of its findings," President Eugene Berwald said in a prepared statement.
Jim Hammerand reports and edits breaking business news for MSPBJ.com and covers the Twin Cities financial, legal and aviation industries. He also manages the Business Journal's social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and online features including Dream Homes and Cool Offices.