Metal Fabrication

Third-generation Signman Suffers Fatal Workplace Injury

OSHA has opened an investigation.

Published

13 years ago

June 28, 2011

Robin Donovan Signs of the Times June 2011 Issue

Melvin Cardonick of Atlas Signs (Philadelphia) died in mid-June following an electric shock he sustained while installing a sign at the East Windsor (NJ) shopping plaza. After being shocked, Cardonick fell 35 feet.

Cardonick, a third-generation signmaker, burned his hands and suffered internal burns that weren’t discovered until days after the accident, as he was recovering from surgery. His wife told a reporter for the East Windsor Patch that she was surprised to learn her husband was working with circuit breakers turned on; she stated she knew he always shut them off before beginning a job.

OSHA opened an investigation into this incident on June 7, two days after the accident; East Windsor police told Patch they would not file charges.

Despite declaring his retirement, Cardonick, 63, had continued to work. He is survived by his wife, brother, two children and four grandchildren.

Related Topics:June 2011 Metal Fabrication

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