OSHA opening investigation into worker death at State College demolition site
The federal agency that monitors workplace safety is launching an investigation after a worker died on Thursday at a State College demolition site, a spokesperson wrote in an email on Friday.
A worker at the Days Inn Penn State demolition site sustained fatal injuries following a five-story fall from an open window, an Occupational Safety and Health Administration spokesperson wrote. Around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, State College police, alongside Centre LifeLink EMS and the Centre County Coroner’s Office, arrived at the scene, where the worker was pronounced dead.
A preliminary investigation into Thursday’s fatal fall suggested it was accidental in nature, police wrote.
On Friday, Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers identified the worker as 42-year-old Joshua Farkas. Sayers’ office conducted an autopsy and concluded Farkas died as a result of blunt force head trauma.
An OSHA spokesperson said the worker was employed by ISI Demolition Inc. out of White Marsh, Maryland.
OSHA has up to six months to conduct its investigation and release its findings.
Crews began demolishing the Days Inn hotel at 240 S. Pugh St. in June to make way for a new six-story, 172-unit apartment building. Development for the project also forced the closures of Mad Mex Happy Valley and Brewsky’s Bottle Shop, which formerly stood next door.
This story was originally published July 8, 2022 at 11:58 AM.
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