OSHA fines company in worker's death on I-495

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_305220514.html?keyword=secondarystory

By Margo Sullivan
[e-mail]

METHUEN — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration slapped a highway construction company, Brox Industries of Dracut, with $14,700 in fines and three safety violations in connection with the death of a Londonderry, N.H., man.

Robert Augeri, a construction worker employed by Brox, was killed on his 31st birthday June 3 while working on an overnight highway paving project in the northbound lane of Interstate 495. He died when a Mack dump truck backed into him in the closed left travel lane near Merrimack Street (Exit 44).

OSHA is still investigating Lewis Maynard Trucking, the company that owned the dump truck, according to John Chavez, regional director for public affairs with the U.S. Department of Labor.

The truck was driven by Robert McCann, 25, of Methuen, a Lewis Maynard worker at the site. He and his passenger, Christina DeForte, 23, also of Methuen, were not hurt in the accident.

Chavez could not say if additional fines and penalties were anticipated. OSHA has six months from the accident to close its books on the case, he said.

Brox will have 15 days to contest the penalties or to ask for a conference to try to work out a settlement, Victor Goulet, safety director for Brox Industries, said the company was notified yesterday about the findings and will ask OSHA for a conference to discuss the agency's findings and the results of the company's internal investigation.

FULL story at link.

[Mind_your_head]

1. Very sad case

Youth and stupidity are a tragic mix, as can be evidenced here. (although 25 y/o is not really 'young' ~ 25 y/o's should know better/be more responsible).