Seneca contractor assessed penalty

A state agency has determined the penalty against a contractor involved in a construction project fatal accident last year in Seneca. A worker on the job, Charles Keeler of Liberty, died nine days after a November accident at the city’s water plant involving a scissors lift, a motorized piece of equipment. The state’s office of Occupational Safety and Health proposes a penalty of $4,250.00 against Bonitz Construction Company of Columbia. According to the citation, “…employer knew or should have known that mechanic operating a Genie GS-1930 scissors lift, serial number GS2834, in excess of 15 feet high at first floor office building at stairway area, with an obstruction below work platform, constituted a tip over hazard….” Bonitz has the right during a 30-day period to contest the penalty. 96.3/WGOG NEWS obtained a copy of the inspection report through a Freedom of Information request through OSHA at the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.