Two contractors cited in fatal fall at Bellevue College | Both appealing L&I’s decision

The subcontractor and general contractor for Bellevue College's new Health and Sciences Building have been cited and fined for safety violations following the July death of a construction worker who fell from the structure's roof.

The subcontractor and general contractor for Bellevue College’s new Health and Sciences Building have been cited and fined for safety violations following the July death of a construction worker who fell from the structure’s roof.

A 31-year-old Evergreen Erectors employee was working on the roof of the health sciences building on the morning of July 21 when police reported he was unable to move from a ladder to the floor, the building not framed in at the time. Th man fell about 50 feet to the ground below, where he was pronounced dead by paramedics.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries cited Evergeen Erectors for not properly laying down floor covers to prevent employees from potential falls, citing the subcontractor $850. Evergreen Erectors filed an appeal to the decision on Jan. 19.

General contractor Bayley Construction was also cited for not properly laying down floor covers, as well as not ensuring stairway handrails were surfaced to prevent injuries from punctures, cuts or snagging clothes. L&I states in its citation Bayley used rebar tie-wire in at least one roof-access location to secure handrails, “with the twisted end protruding into the walk area.” The top nail heads stuck out about a quarter-inch and the twisted rebar stuck out about a half-inch, according to the citation. Bayley Construction has been fined $3,300, and filed its appeal with L&I on Wednesday, Jan. 28.