Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a Falmouth, Massachusetts construction contractor for alleged willful and serious violations of safety standards after an excavation accident in Kingston. Employees were working in a 5.5-foot-deep excavation when one of the sidewalls collapses, partially burying an employee. OSHA requires that all excavations deeper than 5 feet between protected against collapses before workers enter them.
OSHA inspectors found that the excavation lacked protection to prevent a collapse. The asphalt also had not been removed or supported to prevent it from falling on workers. Fortunately, none of the workers were killed in the accident.
Following its inspection, OSHA issued one willful citations with a $63,000 proposed fine for the unprotected excavation. It also issued one serious citations with a $6,300 fine for not supporting or removing the asphalt atop the excavation. The company has 15 days to comply, meet with OSHA, or contest the finding before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Cave-in at Construction Site Leads to Nearly $70,000 Fine for Contractor, OHSonline.com, September 25, 2009
If you or a family member has been injured on a construction site, contact our Massachusetts personal injury law firm for a free initial consultation.
