In February 2014, a cell tower collapsed in Clarksburg, West Virginia resulting in two fatalities and two employees seriously injured. The company, S and S Communication Specialists, was cited by OSHA for safety hazards and fined $14,000. “These deaths are a painful reminder of the dangers associated with communication towers, and are at the root of OSHA’s directive on communication tower construction activities,” said Prentice Cline, OSHA area director for Charleston. “OSHA is concerned about the alarming increase in preventable injuries and fatalities at communication tower work sites. The agency is collaborating with the National Association of Tower Erectors and other industry stakeholders to ensure that every communication tower employer understands how to protect workers performing this high-hazard work.” The company was fined a $7,000 penalty for each of the two violations, which is the maximum amount allowed by law for a serious violation. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings.
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