• 13
  • February
    2012

This week, our blog will discuss the state and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration agencies ("OSHA," or "IOSHA" in Indiana), and how the agencies and laws attempt to minimize construction accidents and ensure the safety of workers. IOSHA made headlines last week when it issued fines pertaining to the State Fair stage collapse, which killed seven people and injured approximately 65 more last August.

IOSHA regulates worker safety via the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Act, and it has the ability to fine companies in violation of the Act. Claiming MidAmerica Corp. failed to follow three major safety violations in building the stage, the company was fined a total of $63,000. The union that set up the stage, International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees Local 30, was fined $11,500 for lack of safety training and failure to maintain required OSHA records. Finally, the Indiana State Fair Commission was fined $6,300 for failing to conduct a safety evaluation and not protecting employees from severe weather and hazards associated with temporary structures.

Of interest, the Indiana State Fair Commission representatives testified in a January deposition, that it requested the band, Sugarland, to delay its performance until oncoming storms passed.  Sugarland apparently refused to delay the show, in part, as its lead singer required 30 minutes to warm up for the show and the band was scheduled to perform at the Iowa State Fair on the following evening.  The Indiana State Fair Commission offered to pay for additional stage hands to tear down and set up the Iowas show.  Sugarland refused.  Stay tuned as additional information will be forthcoming shortly. 

The organizations have 15 days to pay the fines or contest them. The Union and the State Fair Commission already have stated their intentions to contest the fines.

Doehrman Chamberlain - Indianapolis injury attorneys