OSHA proposes $17,000 in fines following septic tank deaths

[The Straight Story]

OSHA proposes $17,000 in fines following septic tank deaths

KENNEBUNKPORT — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing nearly $17,000 in penalties against a Monmouth company after the deaths of two workers last month in Kennebunkport.

Owner Tim Stevens said he may challenge the penalties.

Winfield Studley, 58, of Windsor, and Richard Kemp, 70, of Monmouth, died Sept. 27 from inhaling toxic gases and sewage while working on the septic system at the Lodge at Turbat's Creek.

An autopsy indicated the men died as a result of "hydrogen sulfide toxicity in a confined space with terminal inhalation of sewage."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which investigated the deaths, has found four alleged safety violations against the men's Monmouth-based employer Stevens Electric & Pump Service.

The company is being cited for failure to ventilate the area where the men were working, failure to test the air quality before the men went into the tank, and failure to monitor the area's air quality. OSHA also said there was no system in place for an emergency rescue for the employees.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111103/NEWS/111030361/-1/NEWSMAP

[me b zola]

1. Yeah, that'll teach 'em

:eyes:

Reason 4,318 for OWS. The government is supposed to protect her people from powerful interests, not protect the powerful so that they may prey on the people.

[provis99]

2. there's something wrong when a 70 year old has to be a septic tank worker.

He should have been enjoying retirement.