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The February 9 water tower accident in Culpeper is currently under investigation by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VDLI). This workplace accident happened when a man painting one of the Culpeper water towers fell 80 feet to the ground. He survived the fall, but is still in the University of Virginia Medical Center and is listed in fair condition.
According to investigators, the accident most likely happened when a cable supporting scaffolding at the top of the tower failed. The cable was secured to the top of the water tank with a loop held together by a crimp connection. Investigators believe that the crimp was not tight enough, and the cable slipped through.
When the cable slipped workers were on the scaffold at the top of the water tower, about 80 feet above ground. The worker who fell, Dan Marmo, 38, from Pennsylvania, hit the ground but his fall may have been broken by a containment tarp. Another man also fell, but he was caught by his safety harness and was found dangling. The second man was not injured and his name has not been released.
Both men were employed by D&M Painting Company, based in Washington Pennsylvania. The company was hired by the town of Culpeper to paint the inside and outside of three water tanks.
In cases where a workplace accident does not result in a death, the VDLI has six months to complete their investigation. According to a VDLI spokesperson, the investigation will include site visits, interviews with witnesses, managerial reviews in Richmond, and possible fines.
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