A roofing contractor employee was seriously injured after falling from the roof of a Penn State residence hall on Tuesday morning. The worker was airlifted to a trauma center, and federal authorities have launched an investigation.
What Happened
Around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, a worker fell several stories from the roof of Thompson Hall, located in the West Halls complex at Penn State’s University Park campus.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. A Life Flight helicopter landed at a nearby field at North Atherton Street and White Course Drive, transporting the injured worker to a regional trauma center.
Key Details
- Location: Thompson Hall, West Halls, Penn State University Park
- Time: Approximately 9:30 a.m.
- Injured Party: Employee of Mid-State Roofing and Coating Inc.
- Project Value: $3.9 million roof replacement contract
- Transport: Life Flight helicopter to trauma center
The roofing project was part of a $3.9 million contract awarded to Mid-State Roofing earlier this year to replace the slate roof system on Thompson Hall.
Reactions or Statements
Penn State spokesperson Wyatt DuBois confirmed the incident, noting that the worker was part of a contracted roofing team.
“The cause of the fall is being investigated by appropriate parties,” DuBois said. “Out of respect for the employee, their family, and their employer, the University does not have further comment.”
The condition of the injured worker has not been publicly disclosed.
Investigation or What’s Next
The U.S. Department of Labor confirmed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident.
OSHA has up to six months to complete its review and determine whether workplace safety violations occurred.
FAQs
Who was the injured worker?
The worker was an employee of Mid-State Roofing and Coating Inc. Specific identity and condition have not been disclosed.
What was the worker doing at the time of the fall?
The individual was working on a roof replacement project at Thompson Hall.
What is Penn State’s response?
Penn State confirmed the incident but declined further comment pending the investigation.
How long will the OSHA investigation take?
OSHA investigations can take up to six months to complete.
Was the project publicly funded?
The roof replacement was awarded through a public bidding process and valued at $3.9 million.
Summary / Final Takeaway
A roofing worker was seriously injured in a fall from Thompson Hall at Penn State on Tuesday morning. The individual was airlifted to a trauma center, and OSHA is now investigating the incident.
Further details, including the worker’s condition, remain unavailable as officials continue their review.
