The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed fines totaling $135,200 for twelve alleged safety violations at New England Wood Pellet, LLC’s manufacturing plant in New Hampshire.
These citations come in response to an incident on January 23 where an employee was found in an unguarded conveyer. The list of alleged safety violations also includes two willful citations for combustible dust hazards and unguarded pulleys, which accounts for over $100,000 in fines.
The company also received fines for not having adequate fall protection for employees working on conveyors or employee training about working in confined spaces. In addition, they were cited for their lack of personal protective equipment for employees working on electrical equipment and for their incomplete injury and illness log.
According to Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA’s area director in Concord, “The sizable fines proposed here reflect the breadth and severity of the hazards identified during this inspection, including unguarded conveyors and exposure to fire and explosion hazards due to the design, construction and location of systems used to collect combustible wood dust generated during the manufacturing process.”
Construction sites and manufacturing plants present increased safety hazards for those working in them. If you were on injured on the job, then contact our Boston workers’ compensation attorneys. They will provide a free consultation to discuss your case and your legal options.