The US Department of Labor has recently conducted an investigation into a tragic incident involving a construction worker’s fatal injuries. The investigation revealed that the Stoughton contractor, LMA Services Company LLC, failed to follow required safety procedures, leading to the employee’s untimely death. This article will summarize the key findings of the investigation and provide practical tips for implementing safety measures in the workplace.
According to the investigation conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Stoughton general contractor could have prevented the fatal injuries if they had complied with safety regulations and properly trained their workers. The incident occurred at a Brockton work site where the employees were working near a compact track loader involved in excavation work for a new building at Brockton Hospital.
During the investigation, OSHA inspectors discovered that the track loader’s bucket was elevated while an employee worked beneath it to load and unload crushed stone on uneven ground. Tragically, the employee was struck by the loader and pinned between the ground and the bucket, resulting in fatal injuries. This incident could have been avoided if the employer had followed proper safety protocols.
Furthermore, OSHA found that LMA Services Company LLC failed to provide injury and illness records promptly after being served subpoenas. Employers are required to provide these records within four hours of OSHA’s request. As a result, the company received a second citation for its failure to comply with this requirement.
OSHA issued a willful citation to LMA Services Company LLC for failing to adequately protect its employees. The citation emphasized that the employer could have prevented the accident by training workers to follow the manufacturer’s safety warnings, being aware of hazards in the work area, and establishing a site-specific safety plan. In addition, the company received an other-than-serious citation for its delay in providing requested OSHA logs. The proposed penalties for these citations amount to $142,642.
LMA Services Company LLC is a Stoughton-based general contractor specializing in earthwork. The company has contested the citations and penalties, and the case will be reviewed by the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The tragic incident underscores the importance of workplace safety and health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 484 fatalities caused by being struck by an object or equipment in the workplace in 2022. Heavy equipment, such as trucks or cranes, is involved in approximately 75 percent of these fatalities. It is crucial for employers to identify hazards, implement safety measures, and prioritize the well-being of their workers.
To ensure a safe work environment, here are some practical tips and advice for implementing safety measures in the workplace:
1. Provide Proper Training
Ensure that all employees receive comprehensive training on the safe operation of heavy equipment and machinery. Familiarize them with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and ensure they understand the potential hazards associated with their work.
2. Conduct Regular Safety Inspections
Regularly inspect the work area to identify potential hazards and address them promptly. This includes checking equipment for any malfunctions or defects, as well as ensuring that the work environment is free from obstructions or uneven ground that may pose a risk to workers.
3. Develop a Site-Specific Safety Plan
Create a detailed safety plan that is tailored to the specific needs of the work site. This plan should outline procedures for hazard identification, emergency response, and employee training. Regularly review and update the plan as necessary.
4. Promptly Provide Injury and Illness Records
In the event of an incident or when requested by regulatory authorities, promptly provide injury and illness records. This not only ensures compliance with regulations but also helps identify areas for improvement in workplace safety.
5. Encourage Open Communication
Promote a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns or near-miss incidents. Encourage workers to actively participate in safety meetings, offer suggestions for improvement, and engage in ongoing safety training.
By implementing these practical tips and advice, employers can prioritize the safety and well-being of their workers, preventing tragic accidents like the one highlighted in this investigation.
For more information on workplace safety and health, please refer to the official US Department of Labor website.
Remember, investing in safety measures is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to protect the lives of workers and create a secure work environment.