Worker Falls to Death from Wilshire Grand

0

A construction worker fell to his death Thursday afternoon from the 53rd floor of the Wilshire Grand Center in downtown.

The man, who was not immediately identified, had been working on the under construction skyscraper, according to authorities.

But Turner Construction, overseeing the $1 billion project for owner Korean Air, said it confirmed with workplace safety regulators and police that the man’s fall was not work-related.

“After an initial onsite investigation, Cal OSHA has confirmed that no fall-protection violations were observed,” the company said in a statement.

“Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased. We are also sending our deepest sympathies to our loyal and dedicated workers for whom today’s tragedy is deeply saddening.”

Turner also said the construction site will be closed on Friday, and that it will provide counseling for employees.

California’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) previously said the agency received a report that an electrician employed by an Irvine company called ASSI had died at the construction site.

About 1000 workers are on site on any given day, according to Turner. The project is 60 percent complete and celebrated the topping of its 73rd floor early this month ahead of an expected opening in March 2017.

According to OSHA, nearly 40 percent of construction site deaths in 2014 resulted from falls from buildings.

No posts to display