Bovis and Galt fined by OSHA nearly half a million dollars (killed two firefighters)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.ciobinternational.org/news/view/1285

Released on 29/02/2008



Contractors Bovis and Galt are accused of 44 safety lapses that killed two firefighters in New York’s Deutsche Bank blaze last August. Together they are fined nearly half a million dollars. Bovis says it will appeal.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed US$464,500 in fines against Bovis Lend Lease and John Galt Corporation for 44 safety violations at the Deutsche Bank tower in New York, where two firefighters were killed in a fire last August.

Letting workers smoke, blocking fire exits and allowing firefighting equipment to fall into disrepair were among the serious lapses that killed two men, the OSHA concluded on 19th February.

The two contractors were responsible for demolition and asbestos abatement in the building, which was condemned after one of the Twin Towers fell on it in the 9/11 attacks. Galt was issued three ‘willful’ and 22 ‘serious’ citations, carrying $271,500 in fines. Bovis was issued two willful and 17 serious citations, with $193,000 in fines for these conditions.

Each company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to request and participate in an informal conference with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Bovis has said it strongly disagrees with the citations and will appeal.

The OSHA cited both Bovis and Galt for the following hazards:

- Failing to inspect and maintain firefighting equipment to ensure that the standpipe system was operational, and that sufficient water supply and water pressure were available for firefighting.

- Obstructing emergency exit access (including sealed emergency stairwells, emergency stairwells blocked by construction and unlighted stairwells).

- Inadequate emergency escape procedures.

FULL story at link.