Waterproofing Contractor Cited in Worker Death

The operator of three Massachusetts waterproofing contracting companies is facing more than $280,000 in fines in connection with an employee’s death.

In February 2024, part of a foundation broke and fell on the worker in a 5-to-6-foot-deep trench beneath a Hanson, MA residence.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found the employer, Aleckssandro Tomaz Pereira, could have prevented the death. 

OSHA said Pereira operates as Boston Concrete Corp LLC, VMT Contractor LLC, and Boston Concrete and Remodeling LLC.

Investigators said the company did not protect the trench and building foundation against collapse.

They said that exposed employees to cave-in, caught-between, and structural collapse hazards.

‘Entirely Preventable’

OSHA also found the employer instructed the worker to enter the unprotected trench to prepare a foundation wall for waterproofing and dig out an area under that wall to install concrete footings.

OSHA cited Pereira for two willful and six serious violations. 

They proposed penalties totalling $283,115.

“This tragedy was entirely preventable.”

OSHA’s James Mulligan

“This tragedy was entirely preventable,” said OSHA area director James Mulligan.

He said workers never should have been placed in the trench “until the excavation and the building’s foundation were guarded against collapse, workers were properly trained, water was removed from the trench and an exit ladder was provided.”

The agency gave Pereira given 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings.