North Billerica, Mass. Contractor Cited for Violations over Worker Injured at Andover Workplace

Interstate Electrical Services, a North Billerica electrical contractor, has been cited by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration for “willful and serious violations” relating to a November 2011 blast at an Andover jobsite. Reportedly, OSHA’s Andover Area Office determined that an electrical panel was not effectively guarded and, as a result, two workers installing electrical service made contact with the unguarded area and an arc flash occurred.

After the incident, OSHA issues a willful violation citation, which carried a $70,000 fine. It also issued the contractor two serious citations, amounting to $11,000 in fines. These citations stemmed from additional electrical hazards related to a damaged power cord and energized electrical wire that was not properly protected. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial risk for death or serious physical injury resulting from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

According to OSHA’s area director in Andover, Jeffrey A. Erskine, “Electricity can injure or kill workers in seconds. It is imperative for employers to ensure all necessary safeguards are in place and in use to prevent incidents like this from occurring.” If you or someone you know has been injured in the workplace and would like to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, please contact Altman & Altman, LLP at 617-492-3000.

US Department of Labor’s OSHA cites North Billerica, Mass., contractor for violations following arc blast at Andover worksite that injured worker Interstate Electrical Services faces $81,000 in fines, OSHA News Release, June 6, 2012

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