Workers had little warning as Maryland bridge collapsed, raising concerns over safety, communication

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “If you’re working over a bridge like that, the standard interpretation doesn’t give you an option,” said Janine McCartney, a safety engineer for HHC Safety Engineering Services Inc. “The skiff is required, period.” Coast Guard representatives and other officials said they were unaware of any Brawner boat in the water at the time of the March 26 collapse. A spokesperson for the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health, which oversees compliance with federal labor regulations, declined to comment on the Key Bridge collapse or Brawner's safety record, citing the open investigation into the tragedy. Brawner has been cited three times for seven safety violations since 2018, including four citations for failing to provide proper fall protections, OSHA’s online enforcement records show. We just don't know.” Others, though, said a safety boat might have had a better chance to issue a warning over a direct radio line to the crew, something companies could consider when writing future safety plans in light of the Key Bridge collapse.