Hourly Update

OSHA clears hospital in roof collapse that injured employee

Nearly five months after a Northwest Medical Center employee was crushed by the ceiling of an ambulance bay, the hospital has been cleared of any wrongdoing, according to a report released today. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration wrapped up its investigation about one week ago, said Mark Norton, assistant director of OSHA's Arizona division. OSHA found that there were no apparent violations and the ceiling "suffered an instantaneous progressive failure and fell to the ground." Katie Gleason, 51, has since returned to work after recovering from multiple fractures and concussions, the report states. However, she has no recollection of the accident that occurred August 31. According to the report, the canopy had been struck by a delivery truck three months prior to the collapse. On the day of the accident, Gleason, an emergency room director, and her co-worker were walking under the canopy assessing ambulance flow into the ER, the report says. Also outside, but not under the canopy was a fire truck engineer for Northwest Fire/Rescue District. Gleason's co-worker was walking back toward the ER doors when she saw the ceiling shudder before it fell and landed on Gleason, the report said. The fire truck engineer also saw the ceiling shift down and called to Gleason, but as she turned to step away, he saw the ceiling fall on her. He and others tried to lift the corner of the ceiling off of her, but were unable to, the report said. A masonry saw had to be used to cut in the ceiling so it could be pried back and Gleason was then pulled out. Northwest Medical Center officials declined to comment for this story.