Construction worker dies in fall from scaffolding in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — A construction worker has died after falling off of scaffolding in Oakland.

It happened around 8 a.m. in the 400 block of Melwood Avenue.

A man was found with significant injuries and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the victim as John J. Allen, 47, of McKees Rocks.

Witnesses say he was working on the exterior of the building and fell nine stories.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our union brother today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Local 373 will continue to offer support to his family and all of our members who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Jason Markovich who’s the Business Manager for Laborers’ Local Union 373.

“The information has been very limited at this time, we haven’t had an opportunity to get a full understanding of what happened on site. Our on site project managers are meeting with the respective agencies investigating the incident,” said Eric Hunter who is VP for Hudson Companies, the general contractor for the project. “Our thoughts are with him and his family especially his coworkers and the other people on the job. It is a very difficult situation and the job is shutdown while we try to figure out what happened,” Hunter said.

Hudson Companies also sent the following statement to Channel 11:

“We express our deepest condolences following the tragic accident that occurred this morning. We are profoundly saddened by this loss, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased as well as his employer, Cost Masonry. We are in communication with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration as it continues its ongoing review. Safety is and remains our top priority, and we again express our sincere condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones. "

Allen was a mason tender who worked for Cost Construction, a subcontractor on the project.

OSHA told Channel 11 it could take six months to complete its investigation.

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