2 firms fined after U.S. Bank Stadium worker's death

Vikings stadium accident
Angela Strong and daughter Kyra, 11, of St. Paul leave a bouquet of flowers and say prayers for the construction workers in this Aug. 26, 2015 file photo.
Richard Tsong-Taatarii | Star Tribune via AP 2015

U.S. Bank Stadium's general contractor and a roofing company have both been fined in connection with the death of a worker during construction of the stadium.

Jeramie Gruber, 35, died Aug. 26, 2015, after he fell from the roof while working on the stadium's north side. Another worker was injured at the same time and was hospitalized with a deep cut on his leg.

The Minnesota Occupational Health and Safety Association, or MNOSHA, released notice of final settlements with North St. Paul-based Berwald Roofing Company and Mortenson Construction on Thursday.

An agency spokesperson said they couldn't be made public until both were settled because they were connected to the same death and serious injury.

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MNOSHA fined Berwald, the stadium's roofing contractor, $113,200 for three violations related to Gruber's death.

One of the company's violations was deemed "willful" for not providing workers with equipment to protect from falls. The others were for allowing work on a wet roof without precautions and failing to regularly inspect the roof for hazards.

The company agreed to the final settlement with MNOSHA in June.

Berwald had been cited in the past for failing to install safety measures on scaffolding or roofs.

Mortenson, the stadium's general contractor, was fined $34,300 because it did not conduct regular inspections to identify possible hazards on the part of the roof where Gruber fell.

Mortenson reached a final settlement last month, and a spokesperson confirmed the the deal on Thursday.

"We remain deeply saddened by this terrible accident and understand how devastating it has been for all those affected by it, especially the families involved," the company said in a statement. "We are committed to eliminating the risk of injury and we will continue to ensure it is the foremost priority on all of our projects."