:: rawblogXport ::

:: Monday, June 09, 2008 ::

Let's hope walkout after CityCenter death puts safety ahead of speed - By JOHN L. SMITH, Las Vegas Review - Journal, NV
One concession that could pay dividends is the agreement to let the Center for Construction Research and Training conduct an on-site safety assessment. Union officials and safety inspectors will also be allowed on the job.

I'm no OSHA inspector, but I suspect the 24-hour, seven-day work schedule, the high-steel construction done at close quarters, and the shortage of experienced craftsmen are contributing factors to the safety problems.

I won't bet they'll slow the pace, but it's possible that to really make a difference all the parties will have to agree to put safety ahead of breakneck speed to end the death toll that so far reads, "Mark Wescoat, Harold Billingsley, Harvey Englander, Bobby Lee Tohannie, Angel J. Hernandez, and Dustin Tarter."

They weren't big shots, just workingmen. Each lost his life building this latest, greatest monument to the superlative-laced Las Vegas experience.

CityCenter's construction workers, a cynical bunch, have their own nickname for the project.

They've been calling it "City Cemetery" for months.

posted 5:58 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

-------------------------------------------