Performing maintenance and engineering tasks in institutional and commercial facilities can be risky business, as the annual list of top 10 safety violations reminds managers. Unfortunately, the construction phase of a facility can be just as dangerous — and even deadly — as demonstrated by a recent fatality at the University of Pittsburgh.
A bystander was killed recently when she was struck by a massive metal cylinder that broke free from a University of Pittsburgh construction site, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The incident occurred about 10:40 a.m. near the intersection of DeSoto and O’Hara streets, just outside Petersen Events Center.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office identified her as 51-year-old Aleia Lopez. The metal cylinder was part of the construction site adjacent to the events center and weighed at least a ton. Initial reports indicate the cylinder somehow came loose in the construction site, broke through a section of chain-link fencing and struck the woman who was on the sidewalk.
Bystanders attempted life-saving measures to no avail. Paramedics arrived within minutes, she said, and pronounced Ms. Lopez dead. The city and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
