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August 15, 2024

3 Workers Killed, 9 Injured in Building Collapse in Idaho

A privately-owned airplane hangar under the construction of Idaho-based contractor, Big D Builders, collapsed earlier this year, January 31st, killing three workers on site and leaving nine others injured.

The collapse occurred at Boise Airport’s Airfield at 5 PM.

Ada County Paramedics, Boise Police, and Gowen Field Fire Department tended to the injured, with eight fire engines, three ladder trucks, officials, rescue, and medical units present at the scene.

The Ada County Coroner identified the fatalities: Mariano Coc Och (24 years old), Mario Sontay Tzi (32 years old) and Craig Durrant (59 years old). Traumatic blunt force injuries were noted as their cause of death.

According to the police, the devastating event was caused by a downed crane.

A supervisor had raised concerns about bent beams

A day before the construction accident, workers had already expressed their concerns about “bent” or “bowed” beams to the site supervisor.

Boise’s Inland Crane was hired to provide crane services for the hangar, and several of its crane operators also reported snapped stiffener cables and curved beams.

The site supervisor also told the police that the beam’s ‘bowing’ did not look right to him. He then brought these concerns to the attention of Big D Builders co-founder Craig Durrant, one of the three fatalities in the construction accident. Durrant says he made calls to an engineer.

According to police documents, Dennis Durrant, Craig’s brother, mentioned that the beams were ‘bowing’ and that they contacted the manufacturer because the frame supports were not ‘adequate’. He also said an engineer guided them in reinforcing the building.

However, in police interviews, the crane supervisor said Craig Durrant told him the frame was fine after following a discussion with the engineer. This was attributed to the workers having installed additional straps on the beams and positioning more beams to reinforce the roof structure.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) now leads the investigation and says probing can take up to six months.

OSHA records show construction company had past safety violations

Over the last decade, Big D Builders has committed multiple safety violations over several different job sites. Ladder hazards and falls are among its most common violations.

Files from OSHA reveal the contractors had untrained workers assigned to procedures for erecting extension ladders in 2014. In 2017 and 2022, their subcontractors operated near holes in floors or walls without sufficient fall protection.

Their latest violation was in 2023 at Nampa, where employees were exposed to fall hazards while installing metal sheathing on the steel commercial building’s roof—a repeat violation for which they were penalized with a $21,875 fine. During this incident, the workers were about 25 feet above the ground without fall protection.

OSHA Area Director David Kearns said all these previous offenses against Big D Builders have all been settled, paid, and closed.

About building collapse injuries in the workplace

Construction or renovation work can sometimes cause building collapses. This accident is usually caused by safety and code violations, poor machine maintenance, or the neglect of safety standards and protocols. Building collapses can be deadly and frequently cause severe injuries.

Common building collapse injuries

Typical injuries sustained from being inside or near a building collapse can include:

  • Internal and crush injurie
  • Broken bones and paralysis
  • Loss of limbs, burns and disfigurement
  • Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries

What to do in the event of a building collapse

If present around the accident area during a structural collapse, contact emergency services, move to a safe location, and do not try to enter the structure to perform a rescue. If someone goes missing or trapped, notify emergency responders.

Workers’ compensation lawyer for building collapse injuries and deaths

Collapse victims and their families face not only physical challenges but also financial struggles. They are subject to expensive medical bills, a lengthy physical rehabilitation process, and loss of income. Guidance from a workers’ compensation lawyer makes the process much easier.

Building collapse victims may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim; however, the process of securing benefits can be complicated. A workers’ compensation lawyer experienced with construction accidents can guide you on the nuances of the workers’ compensation system and ensure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve.

Pond Lehocky Giordano can connect you to a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer who understands your rights and can negotiate settlements with insurance companies to ensure they treat your claim fairly.

If you or a relative have suffered due to a building collapse, contact us. Our workers’ compensation lawyer will work with you to ensure that you can face the future with confidence.

How can we help you?

Contact us for a FREE evaluation.

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