OSHA Investigating Building Collapse at Dallas Cowboy Training Facility
It would seem that 250lb linebackers who run a 4.5 second 40 yard time and violently collide into other professionals at equal size and speed would be dangerous enough. . .
Last week in Irving Texas, however the unexpected happened. During a microburst up to 70-mph winds, the Cowboys 85 foot tall practice bubble collapsed. Nearly 70 players, coaches, and members of the media were inside the steel framed structure.
A total of 12 people were injured including a 33-year-old Dallas Cowboys staff member who was
left paralyzed. Scouting assistant Rich Behm suffered a spine fracture that caused permanent paralysis from the waist down, the team confirmed Sunday.
Thankfully, nobody died however the life of Rich Behm has been forever changed. Now, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is onsite.
Representatives of Summit Structure of Allentown, Pa., and Cover-All Building Systems, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which built the facility, could not be reached Sunday.
In 2007, a Pennsylvania judge, relying on Timbie's expert assessment, found that a structure Summit built for the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority on the Delaware River collapsed because of "failure of the design" to account for snow buildup on the roof, court documents show. That structure had a double roof construction, which is different from the Dallas Cowboys' structure.
Judge Allan Tereshko wrote that the Philadelphia structure collapsed "under the weight of the first significant snowfall" of the year, conditions that "would have been easily tolerated by the building had it been properly designed and constructed."
Based on first impressions it appears that Summit Structure is in hotwater once again for a substandard building.
Questions remain however for the Dallas Cowboys: Did they do their due diligence in selecting a trustworthy vendor?
Did they ensure that all inspections were completed by their local municipality (there is a rumor that final inspections didn't happen)? Did the Cowboys develop a "severe weather policy" which would require personnel to leave the practice bubble and seek more suitable shelter?
No doubt the courts and OSHA will quite busy figuring this one out. . .
The lesson for you? Analyze your workplace for hazards (including severe weather hazards) and create policies and deliver training to protect employees.
Need an incentive? Hurricane season is right around the corner. . . .
Last week in Irving Texas, however the unexpected happened. During a microburst up to 70-mph winds, the Cowboys 85 foot tall practice bubble collapsed. Nearly 70 players, coaches, and members of the media were inside the steel framed structure.
A total of 12 people were injured including a 33-year-old Dallas Cowboys staff member who was
left paralyzed. Scouting assistant Rich Behm suffered a spine fracture that caused permanent paralysis from the waist down, the team confirmed Sunday.
Thankfully, nobody died however the life of Rich Behm has been forever changed. Now, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is onsite.
Representatives of Summit Structure of Allentown, Pa., and Cover-All Building Systems, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which built the facility, could not be reached Sunday.
In 2007, a Pennsylvania judge, relying on Timbie's expert assessment, found that a structure Summit built for the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority on the Delaware River collapsed because of "failure of the design" to account for snow buildup on the roof, court documents show. That structure had a double roof construction, which is different from the Dallas Cowboys' structure.
Judge Allan Tereshko wrote that the Philadelphia structure collapsed "under the weight of the first significant snowfall" of the year, conditions that "would have been easily tolerated by the building had it been properly designed and constructed."
Based on first impressions it appears that Summit Structure is in hotwater once again for a substandard building.
Questions remain however for the Dallas Cowboys: Did they do their due diligence in selecting a trustworthy vendor?
Did they ensure that all inspections were completed by their local municipality (there is a rumor that final inspections didn't happen)? Did the Cowboys develop a "severe weather policy" which would require personnel to leave the practice bubble and seek more suitable shelter?
No doubt the courts and OSHA will quite busy figuring this one out. . .
The lesson for you? Analyze your workplace for hazards (including severe weather hazards) and create policies and deliver training to protect employees.
Need an incentive? Hurricane season is right around the corner. . . .
Labels: Dallas Cowboys, OSHA, OSHA Compliance, OSHA Training, OSHA Visit, Severe Weather Policy
posted by David A. Casavant @ 10:44 PM
Comments
2 Comments:
OSHA will investigate and probably fine the Cowboy's organization for some violation of a standard totally unrelated to the building collapse, such as a broken extension cord. The Cowboy's management should take an OSHA training course like the one available at http://www.osha30hourtraining.com to learn what safety standards apply to them so they can avoid OSHA citations in the future. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes from their inspection.
It is true, unfortunately, that many safety managers do not look into this issue enough. They really should, as of course the harm they can do if they are not looked after can be fatal. While it is very important for flammable liquids to be stored correctly, safety managers should also train employees thoroughly in the handling of flammables. Along with this, employees need constant reminders on how to store and handle these liquids, especially when they are about to partake in these activities. This is easily achieved by making sure that informative signs and labels are strategically placed for employees. LEM Products has a great range of standard signs and can customize any sign to meet all of your needs and to meet OSHA regulations. They are the experts I use all the time and they do a great job. I recommend you visit their website, at http://www.lemproductsinc.com to put together the perfect combination of standard and customized safety signs to increase the safety in your workplace.
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