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OSHA levies fines to businesses connected to Farmington explosion

OSHA said 'The employer failed to ensure that a competent person inspected the job site to determine the location of underground hazards.'

FARMINGTON, Maine — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) levied fines to two businesses that were connected to the explosion that happened at the LEAP building in Farmington last September.

The businesses, Life Enrichment Advancing People (LEAP) was fined for $12,145, and Techno Metal Post Me. LLC was fined $4,048. 

OSHA stated both violations were serious and wrote, “The employer did not initiate and maintain programs which provided for frequent and regular inspections of the job site, materials, and equipment to be made by a competent person.”

Investigators concluded that one of the posts severed the line, causing the propane leak and the explosion that leveled the building. The installation of the posts took place on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

OSHA also stated, “The employer failed to ensure that a competent person inspected the job site to determine the location of underground hazards prior to allowing the ground to be penetrated and installing bollards.”

The explosion occurred six days later on Sept. 16. The blast killed Farmington Fire Captain Michael Bell, injured six other Farmington Firefighters, along the Building Maintenance Supervisor Larry Lord.

RELATED: Maine legislature unanimously passes 'Dig Safe' law in wake of Farmington blast

RELATED: Larry Lord transferred to rehab hospital in Boston

RELATED: Final word on cause of Farmington explosion released; no criminal charges expected

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