Pipe broke in construction death

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100326/NEWS01/100329734#pipe-broke-in-construction-death

Published Friday March 26, 2010

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has determined the death of an Anamosa construction worker last month was caused by a pipe that broke away from a clamp.

Faron Fritz died at a Cedar Rapids hospital after the Feb. 22 accident at a construction site. He was working for Ricklefs Excavating of Cedar Rapids when his chest was crushed by the falling pipe.

According to the preliminary OSHA report, Fritz was part of a crew using a clamp-equipped excavator to wrap 18-foot pipes in plastic, then move them about the work area. A pipe came out of the clamp and fell onto Fritz, causing the fatal injury.

OSHA’s investigation into the accident continues, and the report will be updated with inspection results and the possible issuance of a citation.

AP