Feds Cite Contractors in Fatal New Hampshire Water Tower Fall

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited two contractors for alleged violations of safety standards involving the death last August of a worker who fell from a New Hampshire water tower.

An OSHA inspection found Bullins Painting Inc. of Eden, N.C. failed to provide the worker with fall protection. Further, OSHA says Bullins and general contractor Utility Services of Perry, Ga. failed to inspect equipment, protect lifelines against cuts and provide a ladder cage for tower access ladders.

OSHA says the man fell about 90 feet while rehabilitating the municipal water tower in Epping.

OSHA is proposing $187,800 in fines for Bullins and $93,000 in fines for Utility Services. Each company has 15 business days to contest the findings.