Concrete Company Admits Guilt in OSHA Violation Resulting in Employee Fatality

A Massachusetts concrete services company has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston for willfully violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards. This violation is linked to a tragic incident in 2023 that resulted in the death of a worker.

John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc., located in East Freetown, is now facing serious repercussions. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley announced that the company could be subjected to a probation term of up to five years, alongside a hefty fine that could reach $500,000. Additionally, restitution will be payable to the estate of the deceased victim. Sentencing has been scheduled by U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson for May 4, 2026.

According to court documents, the company was using a large soil screener designed for processing and screening soil and similar materials. This machinery measured approximately 46 feet in length and 13 feet in height, weighing around 35,880 pounds. A critical component of this screener, the tail conveyor, weighed about 1,500 pounds and could be positioned either vertically or at an approximate 45° angle.

Reports indicate that on multiple occasions in 2022 and 2023, the tail conveyor of the soil screener closed unexpectedly. Compounding the issue, the soil screener had a ruptured hydraulic pressure line, which likely contributed to the malfunction.

On September 6, 2023, a tragic incident occurred. An employee was working alongside a co-owner on the tail conveyor of the soil screener, which was in the open position at the time. Alarmingly, there were no safety measures in place to prevent the tail conveyor from closing unexpectedly.

As the employee attempted to remove a bolt, the tail conveyor closed without warning. The employee, in a desperate attempt to hold onto the upper frame of the soil screener, was caught as the tail conveyor moved into a vertical position, resulting in a fatal crushing injury to the head. The employee suffered massive head trauma and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

In addition to offering plain concrete services, John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc. specializes in stamped concrete patios, pool decks, walkways, and driveways, showcasing a range of services that cater to various construction needs.

Topics
Workers’ Compensation

A Massachusetts concrete services company has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston for willfully violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards. This violation is linked to a tragic incident in 2023 that resulted in the death of a worker.

John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc., located in East Freetown, is now facing serious repercussions. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley announced that the company could be subjected to a probation term of up to five years, alongside a hefty fine that could reach $500,000. Additionally, restitution will be payable to the estate of the deceased victim. Sentencing has been scheduled by U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson for May 4, 2026.

According to court documents, the company was using a large soil screener designed for processing and screening soil and similar materials. This machinery measured approximately 46 feet in length and 13 feet in height, weighing around 35,880 pounds. A critical component of this screener, the tail conveyor, weighed about 1,500 pounds and could be positioned either vertically or at an approximate 45° angle.

Reports indicate that on multiple occasions in 2022 and 2023, the tail conveyor of the soil screener closed unexpectedly. Compounding the issue, the soil screener had a ruptured hydraulic pressure line, which likely contributed to the malfunction.

On September 6, 2023, a tragic incident occurred. An employee was working alongside a co-owner on the tail conveyor of the soil screener, which was in the open position at the time. Alarmingly, there were no safety measures in place to prevent the tail conveyor from closing unexpectedly.

As the employee attempted to remove a bolt, the tail conveyor closed without warning. The employee, in a desperate attempt to hold onto the upper frame of the soil screener, was caught as the tail conveyor moved into a vertical position, resulting in a fatal crushing injury to the head. The employee suffered massive head trauma and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

In addition to offering plain concrete services, John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc. specializes in stamped concrete patios, pool decks, walkways, and driveways, showcasing a range of services that cater to various construction needs.

Topics
Workers’ Compensation