Six construction workers lost their lives in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last week, raising questions about whether the construction company, Brawner Builders, took proper precautions. Federal regulations require construction companies to have safety boats, known as skiffs, on hand whenever crews are working over waterways, but there is no indication that Brawner had a rescue boat ready during the bridge collapse. The lack of a safety boat may have contributed to the workers not receiving warnings before the cargo ship collided with the bridge.
The archived recordings of the bridge’s maintenance radio channel from the morning of the collapse show only one minor exchange about the approaching ship, raising concerns about whether the workers were adequately informed about the imminent danger. Experts suggest that a safety boat on the water could have used marine radios and walkie-talkies to warn the construction workers, potentially giving them a chance to act. While a construction inspector was able to escape to a section of the bridge that did not collapse, it is unclear what warning, if any, he received prior to the incident.
OSHA regulations require construction companies working over waterways to have at least one safety boat available, but it is not uncommon for companies to overlook this requirement on jobs that do not pose an imminent drowning risk. Brawner has been cited for safety violations in the past, including failing to provide proper fall protections. Some experts believe a safety boat could have made a difference in the Key Bridge collapse, while others argue that the steep drop, limited time to react, and debris made it difficult for even trained rescuers to reach the missing workers.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of safety boats in such incidents, experts recommend including flotation devices, clear communication with authorities, and specific evacuation signals in future safety plans for bridge construction projects. It is crucial for companies to have valid rescue plans in place to ensure the safety of workers in emergency situations. The investigation into the Key Bridge collapse is ongoing, and authorities continue to assess the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
