Company Fined For Death Of Worker On Woburn Library Project

WOBURN, MA -- Schnabel Foundation Company failed to protect employees against crushing hazards while they installed permanent foundation supports beneath the Woburn Public Library, according to a ruling by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The ruling, which carries $212,396 in proposed penalties stems from the July 11 death of Mark Camire, a 32-year-old Schnabel employee who was crushed to death by a 2,600-pound rock dislodged from the building's foundation.

The ruling also says Schnabel failed to show employees how to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions while working beneath the foundation. Schnabel had been cited for similar violations in 2015 when an employee was pinned by a granite block that came loose on a different project.

Schnabel has 15 days to accept the findings, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

"Failure to supply proper safeguards and training has led to a needless and avoidable death," OSHA Andover Area Office Director Anthony Covello said in a statement. "It is imperative that employers train their employees, and equip them with the necessary tools to prevent crushing and other hazards."

In September 2015 Woburn accepted a $9.9 million construction grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to renovate the existing Richardson building and construct an addition. The total project cost is $31.5 million, including a $13.5 million bond that added about $35 to the average annual tax bill.

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Rendering of completed Woburn Library addition by Woburn Public Library.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).