The recovery mission is over and now comes the search for answers after a tragic incident in suburban Downers Grove.
Two contractors became trapped in the storm sewer during Monday’s storms. One of them was rescued, but the other died. His body was recovered Tuesday evening after an extensive search.
OSHA has launched an investigation into the incident. The federal agency has six months to complete the investigation, during which they’ll looking into what happened and whether the company followed safety procedures and protocols in compliance with OSHA standards and regulations.
“My personal condolences go out to the family of the person that didn’t make it,” said Howie Eberts, SCR Safety Solutions Vice President of Expert Witnesses.
Eberts retired from OSHA after 37 years on the job and told NBC Chicago he’s investigated all types of workplace incidents and conducted inspections.
“OSHA confined space standard for construction would most likely apply without knowing any additional information and that requires provisions for setting up, having an attendant, somebody for any of the entry into that space and have a rescue plan developed,” he explained.
Eberts now works for SCR Safety Solutions providing expertise into workers’ safety and best practices for clients. He provided some insight to NBC Chicago into what’s next for the OSHA investigation, including interviews with witnesses and managers on site.
“They’re going to talk to management, they’re going to look and see what the company had in place as far as OSHA regulations to ensure this type of horrible incident can’t happen again,” he said.
Village officials said the contractors were working on a pipe rehabilitation project for the village through Vortex Lining Systems. The Houston based company started work last year with repairs to help maintain the 11-foot diameter, 2,200-foot-long pipe.
The scope of the work was presented at a village council meeting last March.
Eberts said it’s more than likely Vortex will conduct its own internal investigation. NBC Chicago reached out to the company asking about the internal investigation and the safety procedures and protocols. A spokesperson did not answer our questions, but issued a statement saying in part, “We are devastated by the loss of our team member following an unexpected major rain event, and are doing everything we can to support his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The name of the contractor who died has not been released as of Wednesday evening.
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