BILLERICA, Mass. — The Lynnway Auto Auction is accused of failing to protect visitors in a lawsuit filed by the family of a man killed in an accident there in May.
Reuben Espaillat, 55, was killed May 3 after an employee unintentionally drove an SUV through a crowd of people attending the auction.
Espaillat's son has filed the first wrongful death lawsuit against the company, reports the Lowell Sun.
MORE: Billerica auto auction company had serious OSHA violations in 2014
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently issued citations over the incident, saying the company exposed employees and visitors to numerous hazards.
OSHA issued 16 total violations, noting blocked exit routes, motor vehicle hazards, hazard communication and record-keeping deficiencies.
“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 2014, OSHA cited Lynnway Auto Auction for two serious violations. The first violation said the employer didn't require traffic control devices among moving vehicles. while employees were performing maintenance tasks. OSHA provided the example of having traffic cones, caution tape, barriers and a spotter to help protect employees.
MORE: OSHA cites Lynnway Auto Auction for fatal crash
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