Accident – Death – Obituary News :
GATLINBURG, Tennessee: Appalachian Staffing Service Cited Following Workplace Death
In a tragic incident that occurred at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in December 2023, Appalachian Staffing Service has been cited by the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) following the death of Jeffrey Coker, 66, of Gray, Tennessee.
Details of the Incident
According to TOSHA, Coker and another employee were using a JLG Lift Model E300AJP to install rigging in the rafters of the Convention Center. They had reportedly left the lift in the rafters to rig raise motors for sound and light equipment. While working, Coker lost his balance and fell 32 feet to the ground.
Lack of Training and Safety Measures
TOSHA’s investigation revealed that none of the employees had received training on recognizing fall hazards and the procedures to minimize them. Most employees were wearing climbing harnesses and single lanyards as fall protection, but they were working in the rafters without a personal fall arrest system. Additionally, the Convention Center did not have a horizontal lifeline installed for employees to remain 100% tied off while working in the rafters.
Citation and Penalties
In the citation, TOSHA stated that Appalachian Staffing Service failed to provide training for employees using personal fall protection systems. Four employees were exposed to fall hazards without proper training, and two employees using the JLG Lift Model E300AJP did not use a personal fall arrest system. The staffing service was also found to have inadequate maintenance and sanitation of employee-owned protective equipment, resulting in a penalty of $8,200.
Conclusion
Overall, the workplace death at the Gatlinburg Convention Center serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training and safety measures in hazardous work environments. TOSHA’s citation of Appalachian Staffing Service highlights the need for employers to prioritize employee safety and adhere to regulations to prevent tragic incidents like this from occurring in the future.
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