Scaffolding collapse in Miami leaves three dead

A tragic accident involving a scaffolding collapse at a television tower in Miami, has left three people dead.

The individuals involved had been contracted to upgrade the transmission for the tower. They were working on the tower at the time of the accident, it is not known where exactly the men were at the time, but it is thought that they were somewhere near the top of the 1250-foot tower.

Miami Gardens police and crime scene team attended the scene and the OSHA, (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is investigating. According to reports in the American media, the company the three men were working for has previously been accused of “serious safety violations” following routine inspections, but this has yet to be confirmed by officials.

The three men have since been named and the OSHA investigation will be completed within six months, as required by law in the United States.

Although it is not known what happened in this particular incident, we will have to wait for the results of the investigation to see if the organisation involved did in fact violate safety procedures.

The tragic accident is yet another reminder of the risks involved in working at height. It highlights the importance of adhering to health and safety best practice and for adequate training for scaffolders and anyone working at height.

Simian clients requiring advice on all aspects of scaffolding safety, including competence requirements, are free to call their Account Manager on 0345 602 2418.