The indictment alleges that LeMaster Steel, through the actions of its site foreman, obstructed justice by falsely stating to OSHA investigators that fall protection was in place prior to the accident. The company, and its supervisor, were also charged with two counts of obstructing justice by intentionally instructing witnesses to withhold information about the lack of fall protection. We want to assist employers in providing that safety for their employees. However, during the course of our investigations, we will not hesitate to refer a case to the Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution, if we believe it's warranted. That is precisely what occurred with LeMaster Steel.
Falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities in the construction industry.
Each year, approximately 150-200 workers are killed, and more than 100,000 are injured as a result of falls at construction sites. Current fall protection standards have performance-oriented requirements which make it simpler for employers to provide workers necessary protection. Under the standard, employers are able to select fall protection measures compatible with the type of work being performed. Fall protection generally can be provided through the use of guardrail, safety net, personal fall arrest, positioning device, and warning line systems, among others.