Henley bridge worker dies at construction site
By Knoxville Daily Sun staff
January 26, 2011

Yesterday a construction crew member died in an accident while working on the south side of the Henley Street Bridge. John Womac of Athens TN was 33 years old. He had worked for Britton Bridge LLC for 6 years. At the time of his death his official title was Foreman.

Tuesday morning at 8:07 a.m. the call came in to 911, and Womac was rushed to UT Medical Center. One hour later he was pronounced dead from massive trauma to the head. It is believed he was hit by a piece of equipment. Investigators suspect it was a backhoe.

Since the time of the accident all construction has stopped, and there is an in-depth investigation being conducted. Witnesses are currently being interviewed.

Jeff Hentschel (Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development) said he believes the issue was preventable. If that's the case, it could result in penalties for the company. When the investigation is complete all information will be turned over to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In a prior incident in March 2010 during a project for a bridge on Highway 33 in Maynardville, Britton Bridge LLC was cited for two workplace safety violations and fined $700.

Henley Bridge 1/3/11
Henley Bridge 1/18/11