BOSTON — Less than a month after two workers were killed in a tragic accident in the South End, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh filed an ordinance aimed at protecting workers Monday.
Walsh’s ordinance will allow the City of Boston the right to deny, revoke or suspend a permit for work in Boston based on the applicant company’s safety history.
Companies will also have to affirm their safety record with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The city doesn’t currently have the authority and is not typically notified of OSHA violations.
The decision comes in the wake of a deadly accident, in which two workers were killed when their trench collapsed and flooded. Atlantic Drain Service, the company contracted for that job, had a history of safety violations and several outstanding fines with OSHA when the accident happened.
"We know how dangerous work sites can be, and in Boston we are committed to doing all we can to protect those working in our city," said Mayor Walsh. "I urge the City Council to move quickly on this proposal so Boston can put these changes into effect immediately."
Boston’s Municipal Code will be updated to allow a city officials to deny, revoke or suspend a permit if the applicant has a history of “unsafe, hazardous or dangerous practices.”
The ordinance will go into effect immediately.
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