We all know OSHA inspections can be annoying. Whether it's a job-site, warehouse or factory inspection. But boy are they important. How important?
This past week a warehouse in Oakland, California burned down, killing 36 people.
Although the cause of the fire is not yet known, the warehouse was not inspected in 30 years. And maybe, just maybe, it could have been prevented.
Aerial View of the Warehouse
The warehouse, also locally known as the Ghost Ship, was a communal living space for artists and musicians. Approximately 20 to 25 people were living in the warehouse at the time. On Friday night, December 2nd, the Ghost Ship hosted a concert of approximately 50 people. The deadly fire broke out on the first floor trapping the party-goers on the second floor.
According to CNN, it took 5 hours for the fire department to put out the flames. By that time, 36 party-goers had died.
The local fire department later said that “if the space would have been inspected, it would have been shut down immediately.” Some of the illegalities of the Ghost Ship include: illegally structured, no proper fire alarm system in place, hazardous trash in the lot, and it was made into a residential space when it was intended for commercial use only.
Deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones in this tragic fire.