Contractor fined after Highway 520 worker's death

SEATTLE (AP) — The Department of Labor and Industries is fining the Kiewit-General-Manson construction firm following the March death of a Highway 520 bridge carpenter.

The Seattle Times reports the department on Wednesday announced the $14,400 fine for safety violations related to the March 12 accident.

A state investigation found that 34-year-old Joe Arrants fell 60 feet to his death when a safety cable broke instead of saving him. He had been working on the new, six-lane Lake Washington bridge when he lost his balance. His fall-protection cable went over a steel edge and was cut, the department said.

The department reported that the company has since addressed all of the safety violations and the problems have been corrected.

Kiewit says they are committed to improving safety for workers.