RI Concrete Company Facing Federal Fines Following Worker's Death

SMITHFIELD, RI — A Smithfield concrete company is facing citations and fines after federal investigators said the death of one of the firm's employees could have been avoided.

Matthew Maynard, 33, of Burrillville, died after the drum of the cement truck he was working on began turning and trapped him. Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said the mixing fins inside the truck struck Maynard's head, causing fatal injuries.

According to OSHA, Greenville Ready Mix Concrete Products Inc. did not establish a lockout/tagout program to prevent the cement truck drum from operating while employees serviced it. The company also failed to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures, federal officials said.

Greenville Ready Mix did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment. Patch will update this story if we hear back.

"This tragedy highlights the dangers of not ensuring lockout/tagout procedures are implemented before workers begin servicing machinery," said Providence area OSHA Director Robert Sestito. "Complying with OSHA standards is not optional. Employers have an obligation to abate all hazards to protect the safety and health of their workers."

OSHA officials said the company was also cited for other health and safety violations, including not ensuring workers used fall protection and exposing them to silica dust.

OSHA issued six citations and a $43,506 fine. The company has 15 business days to comply with the citations and pay the fines, request an informal conference with Sestito or contest the findings of the investigation.