Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
A Methuen-based contractor has received 23 citations with proposed fines of $166,950 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for trench safety hazards at two Massachusetts worksites, one in Quincy and one in Lynnfield. OSHA’s citations include alleged willful, serious, and other-than-serious violations of safety standards.
During inspections, OSHA discovered workers at both locations who were exposed to cave-in hazards while working in trenches more than 6 feet deep. In Quincy, the workers were also exposed to struck-by hazards from material stored at a trench’s edge, and the trench was missing a safe means of exit. In addition, access ladders were damaged or misused, and OSHA found an incomplete injuries and illnesses log.
The contractor has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, contest the findings, or participate in an informal conference with OSHA’s area director.
Source: Contractor Cited for Treacherous Trenching, OHSonline.com, January 29, 2010
Our Massachusetts construction accident law firm can assist you if you or a loved one has been injured on a construction job site.
