Worker dies in fall at power plant construction site

A construction foreman died Tuesday from injuries suffered in a fall while working to build a new power plant in Anchorage, according to the contractor in charge of the project.
Paul Ackerman was working on the Southcentral Power Project site, according to SNC-Lavalin, the Quebec-based contractor. Ackerman fell 17 feet from an elevated platform Monday, the company said in a written statement.
Paramedics from the Anchorage Fire Department rushed to the job site about 4:15 p.m. Monday, according to a department spokeswoman. The fire department could not discuss details of the injuries, the spokeswoman said.
Ackerman, 47, died Tuesday at Alaska Regional Hospital, according to Lavalin.
Work was suspended at the site and the company says it is conducting an investigation. A spokeswoman didn't respond to questions.
State workplace safety investigators said they are also looking into the incident.
The construction site is in the industrial area on Dowling Road between Minnesota Drive and Arctic Boulevard.
Ackerman, a member of the Fairbanks-based Local 375 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, leaves behind an 11-year-old son, said his brother, Ken Ackerman.
"He's a great guy," Ken Ackerman said. "He's always willing to help his friends. He was very devoted to his son and a good brother."
In October, a crane toppled at the plant site, injuring one person, according to the fire department. That person declined transport to a hospital, the department spokeswoman said.
The natural gas-powered plant is a joint project between Chugach Electric Association and Municipal Light and Power. It is expected to be completed this year.