A Hingham, Massachusetts company has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a night inspection in July, 2009. Inspectors from OSHA’s Boston North Area Office discovered workers exposed to excess silica levels as they were jackhammering concrete on a bridge on I-93 in Melrose.
In addition to not protecting employees from overexposure to silica, OSHA also cited the company for alleged safety violations including not having controls to lower exposure levels, not fit-testing respirators, failing to evaluate employees’ exposure levels, and not providing a respiratory protection program and training. OSHA also alleges that the company has repeat violations found during an April, 2009 inspection. The proposed fines total $38,100.
The nighttime inspection was part of OSHA’s efforts to target highway construction job sites where silica is generated.
Silica Citations Follow Night Inspection, Safety.BLR.com, October 26, 2009
If you have been injured on the job, then contact our Massachusetts construction accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.