On Nov. 27, 2017, 23-year-old Dakota LaBrecque, of Loudon, N.H. went to work. He never returned home.
OSHA investigators have now cited EWP Renewable Corp., doing business as Springfield Power LLC, for 25 safety violations.
“This employer’s failure to protect employees resulted in a tragedy that could have been prevented if training was provided and machinery was appropriately guarded,” said Rosemarie O. Cole, OSHA New Hampshire area director.
LaBrecque suffered fatal injuries after he was pulled into a conveyor at the company’s Springfield, N.H. plant. The Mount Laurel, New Jersey, company faces $125,460 in proposed penalties.
OSHA inspectors found that the conveyor and other machinery lacked required safety guarding, and employees were not trained in lockout/tagout procedures to prevent equipment from unintentionally starting. OSHA also cited Springfield Power for fall hazards; electric shock and arc flash hazards; and lack of adequate emergency evacuation, fire prevention; and hazardous energy control programs.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.