Lynnway Auto Auction Cited For Numerous Hazards After Fatal Crash
BILLERICA (CBS) – A federal agency has cited Lynnway Auto Auction Inc. in Billerica for numerous hazards, six months after a fatal crash there killed five people.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected the facility on May 3 after five people were struck and killed by a sport utility vehicle on Charter Way.
The agency issued 16 citations to the company for motor vehicle hazards, blocked exit routes, violations of the hazard communication standard, and record-keeping deficiencies. Lynnway faces proposed penalties totaling $267,081.
"This company was cited in 2014 for exposing employees to similar hazards," said OSHA Regional Administrator Galen Blanton in Boston. "It is critically important that employers remain vigilant about safety and implement required safety measures."
In a statement Thursday, Lynnway Auto President Jim Lamb said the company "has taken a number of measures to ensure a safe environment for our customers and employees."
"The majority of the OSHA citations Lynnway received, while unrelated to the accident site, have either been resolved or are in the process of being corrected," Lamb said. "Over the past six months, we have made significant investment in additional safety measures at the auction site such as installing permanent, fixed bollards to provide a barrier to a potential future vehicle malfunction."
"Lynnway is the first auto auction in the country to have installed bollards throughout our facility," Lamb said. "We will continue to work with OSHA to resolve any outstanding issues and work with members of our industry to make sure that our auto auctions are safe for all of our customers and employees."
On May 3, a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee sped out of control and ran down several people before crashing through a wall. The crash killed five people and injured seven.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with the agency's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
