OSHA issues fines to Rockport Steel following May 2024 welding fatality
The OSHA investigation into a worker’s death in Rockport, May 31, 2024, has resulted in citations for the company; the first four of six are classified as Serious, and the other two as Other.
Glover Company, Inc., operating as Rockport Steel, has been given an abatement date of January 7, 2025 to pay fines totaling $29,957.
Sean Rancourt, 39, of Waterville, was employed at Rockport Steel through a work release program with the Maine Department of Corrections. At 2:45 p.m., on May 31, 2024, he was performing welding work on a diesel fuel tank at the business. During the welding process, an explosion occurred, resulting in the employee's fatal injuries.
“The explosion was caused by overpressure inside the tank, which caused metal parts to be ejected,” according to the OSHA findings.
The OSHA investigation narrowed in on six concerns, some of which are accompanied by monetary penalties.
1.) The employer did not ensure an operator of a powered industrial truck had completed training and evaluation. $6,452
2.) The employer did not ensure that powered industrial truck operators were evaluated at least once every three years. $0
3.) The employer did not ensure supervision was provided for the safe handling of the cutting or welding equipment, and the safe use of the welding process. $6,452
4.) On that day, a diesel tank being welded had not been vented or purged with an inert gas. $16,131
5.) The Employer did not maintain the OSHA 300 and 300A forms or equivalent to record work-related illnesses and injuries. $922
6.) An emergency exit at the front side bay entrances did not have an illuminated exit sign. $0
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