Region 1 News Release: BOS 2002-104
May 13, 2002
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
PHONE: (617) 565-2074

Safety Hazards At Weymouth, Mass. Power Plant Site Lead To
Nearly $65,000 In Fines Against Contractor

BRAINTREE, Mass. -- Safety hazards ranging from inadequate fall protection and exposed live electrical parts to defective cranes and an unguarded excavation have resulted in $64,394 in proposed fines against the general contractor overseeing the construction of a Weymouth, Mass., power plant.

Washington Group International, Inc., has been cited by the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 34 alleged serious violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act following an inspection of the Sithe Energies Fore River power plant site located at 1 Bridge Street.

Among the conditions identified and cited by OSHA: fall hazards throughout the jobsite, including missing or inadequately maintained guardrails and toeboards; electrical hazards involving unguarded live electrical parts, employee training, temporary lighting, damaged power cords and unsecured electrical equipment; an employee working in a seven foot deep excavation that was not protected against collapse; improper storage of compressed gas cylinders; eleven defective cranes; two cranes not inspected annually; ladders not provided where needed or of insufficient length; obstructed exit access; debris in work areas; defective rigging chains; unguarded grinders; and an employee not wearing a flotation device while working on a barge on the Fore River.

"These citations encompass the four major causes of construction fatalities," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA area director for southeastern Massachusetts. "Left uncorrected, the cited hazards expose workers to potentially fatal falls, electrocution, being struck by and caught between objects or equipment as well as to the dangers of cave-in, fire, explosion, lacerations and drowning."

A serious violation is defined by OSHA as one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

Washington Group International, Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to either elect to comply with them, to request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

The inspection was conducted by the OSHA Area Office in Braintree, Mass. The telephone number is (617) 565-6924.

The information in this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (617) 565-2072. TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) Message Referral Phone: 800-347-8029.