WTTW cited for ‘serious’ safety violation

Window to the World Communications

Window to the World Communications

Chicago public television station WTTW-Channel 11 has been slapped with a fine for violating workplace safety requirements at its North Side headquarters.

Following up on an employee complaint, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited parent company Window to the World Communications for what it called a “serious” violation involving four scaffolds in Studio D of the Chicago Production Center at 5400 North St. Louis Avenue.

The scaffolds — which are from 20 to 30 feet high and used for spotlights and cameras — were not anchored to a wall or fixed structure and did not have adequate guard rails or attachments points to prevent employees from falling, an OSHA inspection found.

An initial penalty of $6300 issued on May 2 was reduced to $3000 after an informal settlement with the company on May 11. WTTW also has been ordered to document evidence of its repairs.

WTTW officials did not respond to requests for comment.