The Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed Monday it is investigating the weekend death of a construction worker at the site of the future Giordana Velodrome in Rock Hill.
Lesia Kudelka, communications director for the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, said the agency's investigations typically take six to eight weeks to complete.
"OSHA will be looking for any OSHA violations that may have in any way contributed to the incident," she said.
On Saturday morning, 18-year-old Maynro Perez of Charlotte died of injuries from an accident involving a back hoe, said York County Coroner Sabrina Gast. Perez was taken to Piedmont Medical Center about 10:45 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
"We're very saddened by the death of this young man," Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family."
Perez had been an employee of Kempf Contracting of Indian Trail, N.C., for about six months, said office manager Nadia Waters. She confirmed OSHA's investigation and said the company's safety director also is investigating.
Officials at the velodrome did not have additional information Monday, but construction had resumed.
According to OSHA records, the company has had three violations since 2001. Two involved making sure scaffold poles are on firm foundation and that scaffolds are moved only under supervision.
In 2006, an employee suffered multiple facial fractures, a broken pelvis, a broken arm, broken leg and broken foot when he was hit by a falling rebar mat. He was hospitalized, but the accident was not fatal. For that incident, the company was cited for two safety violations. The violations were settled, and nothing has been reported since 2006.
The velodrome is set to open next spring and already has been selected to host the 2012 and 2013 USA Cycling International Omnium Track National Championship. An omnium is a series of races for individuals and teams, ranging from one lap to longer distances. It's also the newest addition to the Olympic Games.
The 250-meter cycling track in Rock Hill features 42-degree embankments and a viewing area for judges and is part of the larger Rock Hill Outdoor Center. The $4 million center will feature 250 acres of trails, athletic complexes, a mountain bike course and a BMX/Supercross and Cyclocross tracks at Riverwalk, located off Cherry Road near the Catawba River.
