OSHA declines to investigate mall decoration injury in Orlando
Federal regulators said a falling holiday star at the Mall at Millenia fell outside their jurisdiction because it injured a shopper rather than a worker.
By Daniela Ortega ·
OSHA said on Monday that it does not have jurisdiction over the Saturday incident that left a shopper injured at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando.
The agency told News 6 that its mission focuses on the health and safety of workers. Because the victim in this case was a mall guest, OSHA determined the incident would not be within its jurisdiction.
Orlando police initially classified the event as an industrial accident. Officers stated they would refer the case to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for review. After further review, police found no evidence of criminal activity and described the incident as a civil matter.
The accident occurred near the escalators in front of Macy’s. Large star-shaped decorations had been hanging above shoppers in that area. The Orlando Fire Department confirmed that one person was transported to a nearby hospital as a trauma alert. The condition of the shopper has not been released.
Witness CJ Shetley arrived moments after the decoration fell. He described the scene as chaotic and noted the force of the impact. Shetley observed that the metal star struck the individual on the head. He said the impact was strong enough to bend the trash can where the star landed. Video taken by Britney Piniero shows first responders tending to the victim on the floor. The large metal star is visible on the trash can in the footage.
The Mall at Millenia confirmed in a statement Saturday night that a holiday decoration had fallen and an injured guest was taken to the hospital. The mall did not provide details on how the decoration fell or who installed it. By Monday, the star decorations above the escalator were no longer visible. The escalator where the incident occurred was back open and being used by shoppers.
News 6 has asked Orlando police for its initial report on the incident. The outlet also followed up with the mall to ask who installed the star, how much it weighed, and whether installation was taking place while the mall was open. The mall has not yet answered those questions.
Source: WKMG-TV · original report published
