INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Labor on Wednesday faulted three entities with workplace violations related to construction of the rigging system that collapsed at the Indiana State Fair in August, killing seven.
The most serious findings were assessed against Mid-America Sound Corp., which provided and constructed the load-bearing roof structure that fell.
The company was found to have three "knowing" violations – the highest level of violation – and was penalized a total of $63,000.
According to the safety order, Mid-America did not provide cross-bracing for the load-bearing roof as recommended by the manufacturer; did not consider the soil conditions at the location and did not designate a competent person to supervise.
The Indiana State Fair Commission had one serious violation for failure to conduct a life safety evaluation, and was fined $6,300.
Local 30 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, including Theatrical Payroll Services, was cited with three serious and one non-serious violation, with a total fine of $11,500.
Indiana Labor Commissioner Lori Torres made clear the six-month investigation focused on whether health and safety standards for employees were violated, and does not specifically address the cause of the collapse.
