Water Tank Worker Killed in Fall
VERONA, VA--Authorities are investigating the death of an engineering technician who perished after what his employer called a "short" fall while appropriately harnessed.
Gregory L. Jamison, an employee of the Augusta County Service Authority, died June 21, one day after he "fell a short distance from a ladder located inside a water tower" under construction, the Authority said in a statement released Wednesday (June 24).
"Based upon information currently known by the Augusta County Service Authority, Mr. Jamison was using appropriate climbing and fall protection safety equipment at the time of the incident."
Virginia's Occupational Safety and Health Program (VOSH) was investigating the accident, which occurred about 10 a.m. June 20.
The Water Authority called Jamison, 47, of Franklin, WV, "a valued employee and friend" and expressed condolences to his family.
It said no further information would be released, pending completion of the investigation.
Report: 30-Foot Fall
The Water Authority statement said Jamison had fallen "a short distance."
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| Augusta County Water Authority |
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Jamison's employer, the Augusta County Water Authority, said he had fallen "a short distance" in the tank. The local fire chief said Jamison had fallen "about 30 feet." |
The Staunton News-Leader reported, however, that Jamison "fell about 30 feet" from the tower.
That account quoted Augusta County Fire Battalion Commander Jeff Hurst as saying that Jamison had fallen from a ladder attached to the tower.
The distance of the fall is a key focus of the investigation, reports said.
About the Project
The project involves construction of an elevated water-storage tank, control valves and appurtenances.
The $1.78 million project contract was awarded July 1, 2014, to Landmark Structures I, LP, of Fort Worth, TX.
Jamison was married with two daughters and five grandchildren. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and formerly worked at the Virginia Department of Transportation.
