Contractor Fined in Mass. Building Collapse

Federal workplace safety regulators have fined a demolition contractor more than $164,000 for alleged safety violations, including numerous violations at a building collapse in Holyoke, Mass. that killed one worker and seriously injured another.

Associated Building Wreckers Inc. of Springfield was fined a total of $114,900 for alleged safety violations in connection with the January collapse on Main Street in Holyoke.

Herbert Marcoullier, 42, died when the roof, fourth floor and part of the third floor of the four-story unoccupied building collapsed.

Among the violations, the company failed to adequately brace portions of the damaged building and failed to provide employees with proper protection, officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said.

Associated Building Wreckers was also fined $49,500 for alleged hazardous working conditions at a Chicopee work site.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to contest the fines.