Worker Dies On PAC Site

A construction worker died July 6th following an accident at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Jorge Bazan, 48, fell 80 feet when scaffolding collapsed. He was taken to a hospital and died after being in full cardiac arrest, authorities said.

Another worker fell about 20 feet and was rescued after dangling from a safety line. He suffered only minor injuries. Both men were reportedly wearing safety harnesses.

State authorities are investigating the accident, and Bazan’s employer – subcontractor Aluma Systems USA Inc. – is conducting its own internal investigation.

The two workers – part of a team of four – were installing scaffolding on the ceiling of the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which is expected to open in 2006. Construction on the PAC’s expansion, including the 2,000-seat concert hall and a 500-seat theatre, began last year.

The accident occurred on what was supposed to be Bazan’s last day working for Aluma, according to The Orange County Register. He had worked for the company for 15 years but was looking to get out of construction, the paper said.