OSHA looking into DPW worker's death

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mvariety.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=7465&format=html

Thursday February 28, 2008

By Gina Tabonares
Variety News Staff

THE California Occupational Safety & Health Administration is looking into the incident surrounding the death of a Department of Public Works employee who died on Monday after falling from roller equipment while doing construction last Thursday.

OSHA investigators have called the Variety to verify a story published Feb. 27 about the death of Ernest August Scharff.

The 54-year-old heavy equipment operator assigned to DPW's Transportation Maintenance Division fell from an undisclosed worksite.

He was able to go home after the fall but upon reaching his residence he complained of severe pain prompting his family to rush him to Guam Memorial Hospital.

The worker from Harmon died in the hospital on Monday.

Although medical examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola reported that Scharff's death was due to "very severe medical problems" and not because of the fall, OSHA investigators are still questioning why his death was not reported to the labor department or to OSHA.

DPW workers who requested anonymity said that Scharff's wife, Anita, also works with DPW under the administration division, but no one knew about the circumstances of Scharff's accident until they were informed about a nightly rosary for their departed co-worker.

DPW administration is mum about the incident and it is still unknown whether the worker's division manager reported the incident to OSHA.

OSHA requires employer or division heads to report immediately by telephone or fax to the nearest District Office any serious injury or illness, or death.

According to DPW sources, one of the probable reasons why Scharff's location of accident cannot be disclosed was because he was working on a private road under the instruction of one of the DPW division heads.

DPW employees have been apprehensive to talk to media about the incident that befell Scharff.