Cell Tower Deaths (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

Summary by Krater

An investigation into cell tower construction deaths, examining subcontractor networks, OSHA oversight, and the pressure on carriers and tower climbers.

From the video

Answers: Why are so many cell tower climbers dying on the job?

• Cell tower construction safety
• OSHA regulation and enforcement
• Tower climber fatalities
• Subcontractor networks in telecommunications
• Industry safety standards

What it concludes

• Cell tower climbers are dying at a rate about ten times the average for construction workers.
• A complex web of subcontracting allows major carriers to avoid scrutiny when accidents happen.
• OSHA rarely goes after carriers who hire subcontractors due to legal limitations on proving control and knowledge of violations.
• Carriers set tight deadlines and lower payouts, forcing subcontractors to cut corners on safety and hire inexperienced workers.
• Despite increased data demands and network buildouts, tower worker fatalities have decreased since 2008 according to industry statements.