OSHA Cites Concord, NH Steam Plant for Asbestos Hazards and Other Worker Injury-Related Violations

On July 23, 2009, the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) cited Concord Steam Corp. of Concord, NH for asbestos violations and hazards that resulted in a worker being burned after a boiler fire erupted.

The company was cited for a total of of 73 violations and faces over $104,000 in proposed fines, including:

One willful citation, with a $22,000 fine for asbestos violations; and

Seven other-than-serious citations, with $2,400 in fines, for violations related to the inadequate or incomplete recording of work-related injuries and illnesses.

The January 2009 fire started when pressurized oil ignited after leaking from a boiler. The OSHA investigation determined the boiler's doors were cracked and not properly secured. The bulging doors were found to have caused a fire and explosion hazard that resulted in combustible materials, including piles of accumulated wood dusts, to ignite into a smolder fire.

The company also received 65 serious citations with $79,800 in fines for safety hazards, including:

Obstructed or unmarked exit access;

Lack of an alarm system or emergency action plan;

Inadequately trained and equipped fire brigade;

Uninspected fire extinguishers;

Fall hazards;

Lack of personal protective equipment;

Deficiencies in the plant's confined space, respirator, and lockout/tagout programs;

Untrained fork truck operators;

Inadequate chemical hazard communication;

Numerous instances of unguarded machinery and various electrical hazards; and

Failure to survey the work area for asbestos, inform employees of its presence, provide asbestos awareness training, and properly clean up asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.