Fines delayed for Atlanta Botanical Garden bridge collapse

By MEGAN MATTEUCCI

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

OSHA has delayed fines for three Georgia companies cited for their role in the deadly collapse of the Atlanta Botanical Garden walkway.

Hardin Construction Company of Atlanta, Williams Erection Company of Smyrna and Southeast Access of Kennesaw were scheduled on Tuesday to turn over a total of $26,250 to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

However, all three companies have filed appeals, postponing their fines, Atlanta OSHA spokesman Michael Wald said Tuesday.

The next step is for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to hold a hearing, Wald said. As of Tuesday, no hearing date had been set.

Each company will have to present evidence before a judge to show why they are not at fault, Wald said.

Last month, OSHA cited the three companies, saying it found “serious” problems with the working environment each provided for its employees.

Construction worker Angel Chupin, 66, of Marietta, died when the walkway collapsed Dec. 19. Eighteen other workers were injured.

According to OSHA, Hardin and Williams constructed towers to support the walkway that were not adequately anchored. Southeast Access was cited for not properly inspecting the towers.

Each three have companies have objected to those findings.

Hardin also worked on the Midtown Atlanta parking garage that collapsed earlier this month, damaging 45 vehicles.