BY THOMAS GRILLO
LYNN — A local construction company has been fined more than $55,000 for failing to ensure the safety of its employees at a construction site in Lynn, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Continental Construction Group for exposing employees to a fall hazard of up to 24 feet while building decks at a house at 21 Beach Road.
“Continental Construction’s recurring failure to protect its employees against clear and present workplace hazards is disturbing,” said Anthony Covello, an OSHA area director, in a statement. “These employees were one slip, trip or misstep away from suffering deadly or disabling falls. It’s imperative that this employer use and maintain effective safeguards on all its jobs.”
The fall hazards stemmed from missing rails, using improper ladders and failing to provide safety training to employees, OSHA said.
In addition, the workers faced electric shock hazards from ungrounded electrical equipment and power cords, according to the citation. OSHA previously cited Continental Construction in 2012 for several similar hazards at another Lynn work site.
Continental Construction could not be reached for comment. The company has appealed the fine to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Thomas Grillo can be reached at tgrillo@itemlive.com.