Las Vegas Sun

October 11, 2008

Construction Deaths

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George Cole, Harold Billingsley's brother-in-law, talks with Billingsley's sisters, Simonne Purdy and Jacqueline Justin, as they remember the ironworker who fell to his death at the CityCenter site last year.

George Cole, Harold Billingsley's brother-in-law, talks with Billingsley's sisters, Simonne Purdy and Jacqueline Justin, as they remember the ironworker who fell to his death at the CityCenter site last year. View photo »

Susan Englander said her husband told her he and his co-workers saw safety violations at the site but didn't report them. He also told his wife he'd decided that this would be his last job.

Susan Englander said her husband told her he and his co-workers saw safety violations at the site but didn't report them. He also told his wife he'd decided that this would be his last job. View photo »

Susan Englander kept notes about the events surrounding the death of her husband, Harvey, an operating engineer who died at the CityCenter site in August.

Susan Englander kept notes about the events surrounding the death of her husband, Harvey, an operating engineer who died at the CityCenter site in August. View photo »

Harvey Englander, photographed at the site where he would die, was planning to work only until his wife, Susan, could retire. Although safety violations were discovered after his death, OSHA eventually withdrew them.

Harvey Englander, photographed at the site where he would die, was planning to work only until his wife, Susan, could retire. Although safety violations were discovered after his death, OSHA eventually withdrew them. View photo »

A view from above the CityCenter construction site shows workers walking amid the vehicles of the trade -- cranes and trucks. Workers have described crowded construction sites and consistent pressure to get their jobs done at top speed.

A view from above the CityCenter construction site shows workers walking amid the vehicles of the trade -- cranes and trucks. Workers have described crowded construction sites and consistent pressure to get their jobs done at top speed. View photo »

Harold

Harold "Rusty" Billingsley's hard hat and work boots are reminders of the job that led to the ironworker's death Oct. 5 while working on CityCenter. View photo »

A family member took this photo of David Rabun Jr. about a week before he died in November. He had complained to his father that the job site was crowded and the work moved too fast.

A family member took this photo of David Rabun Jr. about a week before he died in November. He had complained to his father that the job site was crowded and the work moved too fast. "He wanted to stay there, because of the overtime." View photo »

A donation box for David Rabun Jr.'s family was set up inside the Stage Door casino next to the check cashing counter. The Stage Door is known for supporting the ironworkers, and many of them frequent the bar after the day's work is over.

A donation box for David Rabun Jr.'s family was set up inside the Stage Door casino next to the check cashing counter. The Stage Door is known for supporting the ironworkers, and many of them frequent the bar after the day's work is over. View photo »

View photo »

MGM Mirag's $8 billion CityCenter project is ambitious: Six high-rise buildings are being built -- and are expected to open -- simultaneously.

MGM Mirag's $8 billion CityCenter project is ambitious: Six high-rise buildings are being built -- and are expected to open -- simultaneously. View photo »

David Rabun Sr. is consoled by Bekeyla Machis, who worked with David Rabun Jr. before his death at the Cosmopolitan site last year. Rabun came out of retirement to work on the CityCenter project after his son died, but he can't shake the image of the fall that killed the 30-year-old apprentice ironworker.

David Rabun Sr. is consoled by Bekeyla Machis, who worked with David Rabun Jr. before his death at the Cosmopolitan site last year. Rabun came out of retirement to work on the CityCenter project after his son died, but he can't shake the image of the fall that killed the 30-year-old apprentice ironworker. View photo »

Nevada OSHA found violations in the death of Harold Billingsley, but the citations were withdrawn after a meeting with his employer, SME Steel Contractors.

Nevada OSHA found violations in the death of Harold Billingsley, but the citations were withdrawn after a meeting with his employer, SME Steel Contractors. View photo »

Mon, Mar 31, 2008 (2 a.m.)

In the shadows of the cranes, steel, and concrete upon which Las Vegas has pinned its addiction to growth, a body count has emerged. Nine construction workers have died in the last 16 months at Strip construction sites.

Discussion: 1 comment so far…

  1. By ACLEGHORN
    4/10/08 at 3:12 p.m.
    Suggest removal

    The sad fact that in todays world the presence of the dollar is far more important than the safety of a worker, especially in nevada where migrant workers are so easily replaced. I know this because I am a Safety Manager For a northern nv electrical co, and the Chairman of the Silver State Governors Safety Conference. If you would like info or help with these topics please contact me, this is a topic I have been fighting for years.

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