2 worker deaths costly to Con Ed
New York Daily News - December 15th, 2004
Con Edison was slapped with six federal work safety violations and fined $35,000 in connection with the June deaths of two utility workers burned in a Yonkers manhole explosion.
Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Con Edison for violations that include lack of training of workers, inadequate supervision and failing to provide proper gear.
"The system broke down," said Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (D-Westchester), the chairman of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, which oversees utilities.
Christopher O'Connor and Richard Lombardo suffered severe burns while trying to make repairs in a manhole that caught on fire. They died several days later.
Their deaths came six months after a Manhattan woman was killed when she fell on an electrified service box cover in the East Village. Con Ed settled a lawsuit filed by the woman's family last month.
Yesterday, officials of the quasi-public utility said it already has made changes recommended by OSHA and is continuing to review its practices.
"We consider the safety of our employees and our customers to be our No. 1 priority," a statement read.
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