This case involves a construction worker who was killed when a concrete slab weighing more than 3,000 pounds fell on him. The man worked for a concrete cutting and coring company, which was contracted with a door assemblies provider to cut out a slab from the concrete wall at a power plant so that a new door could be installed. According to the concrete cutting and coring company, custom practice when cutting doorways was to not support the concrete slab being cut. Instead, cuts were made along the top and bottom of the area to be removed, then the sides were cut, but not all the way. The intention was to leave a small amount in place to support the slab until the last connections were cut to avoid any workers being hit by the slab. Even though the sides were allegedly cut according to industry standards, the slab still fell, crushing the worker. The worker initially survived under the weight of the slab for some time, causing him extreme pain and suffering before his eventual death.
3,000 Pound Concrete Slab Crushes Construction Worker
Question(s) For Expert Witness
- 1. Please briefly describe your experience in managing construction projects?
- 2. Can you discuss the proper roles of the parties in this case?
Expert Witness Response E-029676
I have previously served as the principal engineer for projects involving the demolition and/or temporary support of structural elements, such as the segment of wall in this case. This case actually involves the ASSE Demolition standards, including OSHA Construction Safety Standards, and would have required an engineering evaluation performed beforehand.
Expert Bio:
This highly qualified expert has 35+ years of experience in all phases of mechanical engineering, engineering design, and forensic engineering. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and is a member of various professional associations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society for Testing and Materials. He is also a former project executive for corporate design and construction for a vehicle manufacturer and the former president and CEO of a design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm. Currently, he is the principal and managing partner of an engineering and project management company.