OSHA cites contractors for demolition, asbestos hazards after collapse

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Thursday announced that it is fining two contractors nearly $700,000 after the collapse of a mezzanine platform at a former power plant in Boston on May 5 caused a worker to lose his legs.

The incident, which occurred during demolition and asbestos abatement operations, also caused injuries to two workers.

OSHA said an inspection of NorthStar Contracting Group Inc. and the project’s Boston-based general contractor, Suffolk Construction Inc., found that the employers failed to ensure adequate demolition and asbestos safeguards for their employees.

OSHA issued citations to NorthStar Contracting for three willful violations, four serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation of workplace safety standards. The agency proposed $399,864 in penalties. OSHA also issued two willful and three serious citations to Suffolk Construction and proposed $292,116 in penalties.

Each company has 15 business days to contest the citations.