Dangerous employers are endangering Massachusetts workers
Workplace deaths in Massachusetts have remained stubbornly high over the past few years. In 2017, there were approximately 74 workplace deaths in Massachusetts. That number dropped to 69 in 2018 and 47 in 2019.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 70,000 Massachusetts workers sustain injuries or illnesses on the job each year. While these injuries and deaths are preventable, they have been difficult to reduce in Massachusetts. The negligent and reckless actions of some employers may be to blame.
Companies with OSHA violations operating in Massachusetts
After analyzing more than 12 million Massachusetts OSHA violations, WCVB found that dozens of companies with the worst types of OSHA violations have been operating in the Bay State since 2014. At least 35 of them had serious violations that OSHA said: “would most likely result in death or serious physical harm.” Seven of these companies had “willful violations,” which means that the companies knowingly violated OSHA’s safety standards and endangered workers.
Many of these companies endanger workers by failing to take the time to ensure that each worksite is properly set up, inspected, and maintained. In addition, some employers fail to provide adequate safety training to employees.
Two construction workers were killed in a Boston trench collapse in 2016, according to WCVB. The owner of the company, Atlantic Drain Service, was convicted of manslaughter in 2019. The company also had a history of OSHA citations due to safety violations — some of which were for the same conditions that caused the workers’ deaths.
City and state officials crackdown on dangerous employers
Shortly after the fatal incident in 2016, Boston city officials passed an ordinance requiring companies to disclose any OSHA citations they received to obtain a permit. City officials hope that this will stop companies with a history of violations from operating in Boston. Similar statewide legislation is currently being considered on Beacon Hill.
“They’re looking for red flags. If they’re on the severe violator list, they absolutely do not get a permit in the city of Boston,” said Boston Inspectional Services Commissioner Dion Irish. “In the past 12 months, I know there’s been at least a dozen companies we’ve revoked permits and stopped the work and required either safety plans or other contractors had to take over those particular jobs.”
Jodi Sugerman-Brozen is the executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH). She believes that many companies with serious or repeat safety violations should not be doing business in Massachusetts. She told WCVB that the statewide bill is “important in terms of corporate accountability.”
According to MassCOSH, there are only 32 OSHA inspectors working in Massachusetts, which is not enough to maintain safe workplaces across the state.
“If they’re working on fatality investigations, they don’t have the same capacity to get out to do those inspections that are basic safety inspections,” said Sugerman-Brozan.
How can I collect workers’ compensation if I was hurt on the job?
If you sustained an injury or illness at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This will cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you’re unable to work. The Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can help you obtain the benefits you need. Contact us online to find out how.