Maryland labor regulators fined the construction company that lost six workers in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse after investigators determined the firm violated an occupational safety standard for protecting workers from falls.
The $2,100 penalty, which Brawner Builders is contesting, was the only citation issued by Maryland Occupational Safety and Health in their investigation of the March 26, 2024 bridge collapse, according to a report obtained by The Baltimore Sun . Labor officials noted the violation of a fall protection standard, while serious, did not cause or contribute to the deaths of six Brawner employees who were filling potholes on the Key Bridge. They also called on the Maryland Transportation Authority to improve communication at work zones.
The construction company’s general counsel, Jeff Pritzker, said the firm’s work on the bridge was done “in a safe and prudent manner” that was “consistent with the standard work practices of all bridge and highway contractors” working in Maryland. He noted investigators’ finding that the violation “was in no way causally related to the tragic loss of life and injuries to our employees,” and that Brawner’s crew was working in the presence of a safety inspector that night.
Pritzker said the company “has taken all steps to vigorously dispute this citation.” The firm, and the families of the employees who died, sued the ship’s owner after the safety investigation concluded in September.
That seems like gratuitously adding insult to injury.
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