Last August, two construction workers fell while installing the roof on U.S. Bank Stadium. One of the men, Jeramie Gruber, died, and a second unidentified man was seriously injured.
After an investigation into the incident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is leveling fines to both the stadium contractor and subcontractor for “serious” and “willful” violations of safety rules.
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According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, contractor Mortenson Construction and subcontractor Berwald Roofing face a combined $173,400 in fines. The amassed fines are for several citations. Mortenson faces a $34,300 fine for one “serious” safety violation, while Berwald’s citations include one “willful” and two “serious” violations, earning them $139,100 in fines.
The most serious citation, according to reports posted on the federal Department of Labor’s website, was related to an allegation that Berwald willfully failed to have the workers use appropriate fall protection. The company was fined $70,000 for that violation alone.
The companies can dispute the investigation’s findings, and closed-door negotiations may take months or years to complete.
John Wood, senior vice president for Mortenson said in a statement that the company is working with OSHA to reach a “final determination relative to its citation.”
The $1.1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium is set to officially host it’s first sports event in early August.
