UPDATED OCT 3 - After an evaluation of its safety protocols, SGL Constructors resumed work on the I-4 Ultimate highway project, according to a report by Orlando's Spectrum News 13. The entire work site had been shut down since Sept. 28 when a concrete beam fell and injured one worker and killed another. This was the project's fifth fatality since construction began in 2015. A ban on the installation of concrete girders is in place until investigators determine the cause of the accident. Neither the Florida DOT nor OSHA has specified what type of inspections or monitoring will be required on the project moving forward.
Original story:
A worker on the $2.3 billion, 21-mile I-4 Ultimate project in Orlando, Florida, was killed and another was injured after a concrete beam collapsed and struck both of them on Saturday, the Orlando Sentinel reported. This is the fifth fatality since work began on the project in 2015. Consequently, the Florida DOT announced that work has been suspended along the entire route of the project, with the exception of maintenance, emergency repairs and safety patrols, while the department and contractor SGL Constructors ensure compliance with all safety protocols.
The I-4 project has been plagued by multiple safety concerns, notably the deaths of more than one worker. The project has also faced scheduling delays that have put it nearly a year behind its projected timeline.
FDOT is slated to meet today with SGL Constructors "to discuss plans, protocols and safety measures." Construction crews will return to their job sites and field offices for assessment of safety plans, procedures, and job site safety, with crews returning to work "as the week continues and only after safety protocols and procedures have been completed." An investigation into the fatal accident is underway. FDOT says no girder erection or installation will be performed on the project “until this investigation progresses substantially and the root causes of Saturday’s incident can be understood.” SGL Constructors has engaged a forensic engineer to assist with the investigation.
RB was on site during earlier phases of this project.
This story will be updated when more information is known.
