News Summary
A construction worker, Joe Cunningham, tragically died in a forklift accident at the Sherwin-Williams construction site in Cleveland. The incident occurred late Friday night, resulting in Cunningham’s immediate death at the scene. He was a dedicated member of Laborers Local 310, and both local officials and Sherwin-Williams have expressed their condolences. An investigation by OSHA and the Cleveland Police will aim to uncover the details of the accident, as the construction project is significant for the city, marking its first skyscraper in decades.
Cleveland – A construction worker named Joe Cunningham, aged 48, died after being fatally injured in a forklift accident at the Sherwin-Williams construction site in Cleveland. The tragic incident occurred shortly after midnight on Friday at the site located on West 3rd Street and St. Clair Avenue.
Cleveland Police and Cleveland EMS responded to calls for help, but when they arrived, Cunningham was pronounced dead at the scene. His work crew had been involved in construction activities at the site when the accident took place. Fortunately, no other workers were injured during the incident.
Cunningham was affiliated with Laborers Local 310, a union that represents skilled laborers in the state. The union highlighted that Cunningham was a dedicated laborer who took pride in his work and consistently showed up ready to contribute to his team. In a statement, Laborers Local 310 expressed that Cunningham was an integral part of the project, representing the hardworking individuals who shape the city’s infrastructure and construction landscape.
Sherwin-Williams, the corporate entity overseeing the construction of the new headquarters, released condolences following the incident. The company expressed their sadness regarding the death of one of their laborers due to the forklift accident, acknowledging the loss and its impact on the community.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb remarked on the tragedy, emphasizing the rigorous physical demands and specialized skills that are inherent in construction trades. Councilman Danny Kelly, who has a long-standing association with Laborers Local 310, also extended condolences, recognizing the inherent dangers that come with such work in the construction field.
The construction project itself is a significant development for the city, as it features a 36-floor office tower, a two-story pavilion, and a multi-level parking garage. This project marks the first skyscraper to be built on Public Square in decades. Sherwin-Williams anticipates the move-in process for their new headquarters will commence in late 2025 and continue into 2026.
In light of the fatal accident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has confirmed that it will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Additionally, the Cleveland Police Accident Investigation Unit will participate in probing the details of the accident to understand its causes and ensure safety protocols were followed.
This building project has faced delays previously, notably due to complications related to the fireproofing of steel beams, which are essential for maintaining safety standards during construction. With the ongoing investigation and the mourning of a community member, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety and well-being of those still active on-site.
Cunningham’s passing leaves a somber mark on the Laborers Local 310 and the broader construction community. His loss serves as a reminder of the essential role that laborers play in building and maintaining the structures that shape daily life, all while navigating the risks associated with their crucial work. As the investigation unfolds, the community hopes to promote safer working conditions to prevent future tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com
- Wikipedia: Forklift Safety
- Fox8 News
- Google Search: Construction Worker Accidents
- Cleveland 19 News
- Google Scholar: Construction Safety Education
- News 5 Cleveland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Industry
- WKYC
- Google News: Sherwin-Williams Construction Site Accident
- Alaska’s News Source
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
