Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Two companies cited for violations in accident that killed bridge worker

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 20, 2005) – Two companies involved in painting the Kennedy Bridge in Louisville have been cited for safety violations in the death of an employee who fell from a scaffold on July 15.

The victim, Jaime Mendez, 26, an employee of Eagle Painting and Maintenance Co., was working from a suspended scaffold on the underside of the bridge. He fell approximately 50 feet to the ground.

Eagle Painting and the prime contractor, Atlantic Painting Co., each was cited for six serious violations of scaffolding requirements: incomplete decking, lack of pre-shift inspections, debris on scaffolding, lack of fall protection, lack of protection from falling objects and absence of a landing platform between portable ladders.

Each company also was given an “other than serious” citation for not having a trained and designated first-aid provider on site. Total penalties were $24,000 for Atlantic Painting and $21,250 for Eagle Painting.

The citations were issued by the Office of Occupational Safety and Health in the Kentucky Department of Labor, an agency of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.

The companies have a right to contest the citations, penalties or both within 15 working days of receiving the citations.