The University of Notre Dame has been fined $77,500 for ignoring industry standards that could have prevented the death of a football team videographer who died last year after the hydraulic lift he was using toppled in strong winds, the Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration reported.
The fine marks the culmination of the agencys investigation into the death of student Declan Sullivan. The accident was labeled a preventable workplace fatality. (WCxKit)
"Notre Dame did not establish and maintain conditions of work that were reasonably safe for its employees," the agency remarked in a statement.
Sullivan, a 20-year-old film and marketing student from Illinois, was working as a paid employee of the schools athletic department on Oct. 27, when he went up in an aerial scissor lift to document the football teams practice.
The National Weather Service had issued a wind advisory for the day, and gusts reached 51 mph about the time of Sullivans fall. The lift carrying Sullivan crashed through a fence and landed on a street. (WCxKit)
After Sullivans death, Notre Dame officials were criticized for failing to take responsibility for the incident and for appearing to put the teams interests ahead of the student videographer.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact:[email protected] or 860-553-6604.
WC IQ TEST: http://www.workerscompkit.com/intro/
WORK COMP CALCULATOR: http://www.LowerWC.com/calculator.php
SUBSCRIBE: Workers Comp Resource Center Newsletter
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact [email protected]
