Deadly Construction Accident

WSLS 10 On Your Side digs deeper to learn more about a deadly construction accident in our area.
The accident happened on Wednesday in Moneta.
Investigators tell WSLS it was 51-year-old Donald Lee Patrick first day on the job and that he was working on scaffolding when he fell.
Patrick died on the way to the hospital only one hour after his workday began.
A WSLS investigation has uncovered that the company involved in the construction project was fined last year after a similar situation.
Papers from the Dept. of Labor show that Riverview Plumbing and Heating was fined $875 for an employee training violation.
The seriousness of that fine was later downgraded when the company says its subcontractor, Kirby Vass, actually made the violation.
It’s important to note, that the Bedford Co. Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s office have ruled Patrick’s death accidental.
But, Virginia Occupational Safety and Health is still investigating.
Patrick’s family describes him as friendly and outgoing.
Shirley Patrick, Donald’s wife says, “I loved that man very much I don’t know what i’m going to do now that he’s gone.“
Shirley says Donald worked in coal mines for 20 years, a very dangerous job.
She says she never imagine he would fall to his death on the first day of his new plumber’s helper job.
She claims Donald received no training for that job and that he was alone with he fell 12 feet from the scaffolding.
“They should have never put him up there on his first day of work by himself walk away and leave him,“ says Shirley.
WSLS 10 On Your Side took the family’s concerns to Patrick’s employer.
Riverview Plumbing President, Tim Pruitt, calls Patrick’s death an accidental tragedy.
He says Patrick received the required safety training during his orientation the day before his death.
Pruitt says, “We tried to provide training and safety equipment needed and we just feel sorry for the family and everything that happened.“
The company has had about 9 violations over the past 5 years—but none as serious as the training violation.
Pruitt says Patrick watched safety videos and was given an employee safety handbook, which does inlcude scaffolding safety.
Virginia Occupational Safety and Heatlth has up to 6 months to complete its investigation.
But, a spokeswoman tells WSLS they hope to have the conclusion sooner than that.