Construction worker killed in paving accident at KCI Airport; OSHA investigating the death

A worker for Clarkson Construction Co. died in a paving accident at Kansas City International Airport, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday.

Federal investigators are looking into the incident that occurred Friday. OHSA opened its investigation on Saturday, said Scott Allen, regional director for public affairs and media relations for the U.S. Department of Labor.

Preliminary information indicates that the worker suffered fatal injuries when struck by a machine during paving operations at the airport. Clarkson Construction reported the injuries immediately to OSHA as required, Allen said.

The project the worker was working on was not related to the construction of the new terminal. Rather, it was a rehabilitation of an existing runway, said Laurie Roberts, a spokeswoman for Clarkson Construction.

“With heavy hearts, we are saddened to share the news that we lost a beloved member of the Clarkson team on Friday,” Clarkson Construction said in a statement provided to The Star. ”Our deepest sympathies and focus remain with our colleague’s family, and ensuring they have the support they need following this tragic event.”

Clarkson was not providing any additional details out of respect for the worker’s family.

The name of the worker has not been released.

OSHA was not releasing any further information until it had completed its investigation. By law, OSHA has six months to complete its investigations and issue citations and propose fines if it finds violations of safety regulations.