A Freetown company faces punishment for disregarding federal safety protocols after an incident that resulted in a worker’s death three years ago.

 

John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc. pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to charges of willfully violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

 

According to prosecutors, the company used a large soil screener with a 1,500-pound tail conveyer that could be closed vertically or opened to a 45-degree angle. Between 2022 and 2023, the tail reportedly closed unexpectedly on multiple occasions, and the equipment’s hydraulic pressure line ruptured.

 

On Sept. 6, 2023, an employee was attempting to remove a bolt from the tail conveyor when it suddenly closed.

 

Prosecutors said the worker was crushed while holding onto the soil screener, causing “massive head trauma.” The employee was pronounced dead shortly after.

 

See more at wpri.com.