Illinois construction worker's death ruled avoidable
According to a McLean County coroner’s jury. the death of a construction worker at ISU in Bloomington, Illinois, could have been avoided.
The jury, which deliberated about an hour before reaching it's decision, made the announcement on July 8, that the death of Stephen D. White, 57, who was working for Bloomington’s Stark Excavating at Hovey Hall was accidental but avoidable.
White's employer declined to comment on the decision.
White was killed when a large piece of a concrete pillar façade fell on the excavator he was operating. At the time of his death, White and his crew were working to clear broken pillar pieces, which weighed thousands of pounds.
According to the jury foreman, jurors ruled the crushing death was accidental. They have asked Stark Excavating to create a safety inspection team and to develop more in-depth safety training.
Testimony on Thursday was given by from ISU Police Officer Eric Lutz, Stark Excavating Safety and Risk Management Director Wayne Clayton, and McLean County Deputy Coroner David Killian.
Dr. Beth Kimmerling, coroner said the Normal Fire Department, arrived 6 minutes after the 911 call and found White unresponsive “with no signs of life.”
The jury was shown picturess of the accident site, equipment which was being used that day, and excerpts from the OSHA report on White's death.
Much of the deliberation was centered on a nylon sling which broke when workers attempted to lift an 8,780-pound piece resting against Hovey’s top floors.
According to Clayton, Stark not have a formal inspection team, however, equipment is inspected by employees before each job. He also told jurors that the workers on the site where White was killed are skilled workers with decades of experience.
Kimmerling said the inquest was held after her office received results from an OSHA investigation.
OSHA fined Stark Excavating $28,000 in connection with White's death. No announcements have been made by Start as to whether they will appeal the fine.
