Welding Company Linked to Deadly Back Bay Blaze Hit with Fine
D & J Ironworks in Malden, the welding company that was allegedly connected with the fatal Back Bay blaze that killed two firefighters, was slapped with a $58,000 fine for a number of fire safety failures, according to a US Department of Labor investigation.
The nine-alarm fire in March began after workers with D & J Ironworks in Malden attempted to do iron welding in high-wind conditions on Beacon Street. A stray spark then set a nearby wooden shed ablaze, according to authorities, erupting into a massive fire. Lt. Edward Walsh and firefighter Michael Kennedy were killed in the fire.
The fine issued today comes as consequence of several faulty procedures among the welding company, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration:
“OSHA found that the company lacked an effective fire prevention and protection program, failed to train its employees in fire safety, did not have a fire watch present and did not move the railing to another location where the welding could be performed safely,’’ Brenda Gordon, OSHA’s area director for Boston and southeastern Massachusetts, said in a statement. “This company’s failure to implement these required, common-sense safeguards put its own employees at risk and resulted in a needless, tragic fire.’’
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