OSHA said the $15,300 in fines for five violations related to problems with the workspaces and safe-work practices in Buildings 260 and 230 -- both of which are office buildings, not laboratories. At least one violation involved unsafe clearance near electrical equipment, OSHA said.
Pfizer said in a statement that the company, along with Jones Lang LaSalle, Pfizer's contracted facility management firm, "received a citation from OSHA concerning electrical safety in utility and IT support areas of two office buildings at the company's Groton site. ...
Pfizer and Jones Lang LaSalle are partnering to cooperate with OSHA to discuss and address the agency's concerns."
Pfizer added that it is "committed to providing a work environment that protects occupational health and safety and welcomes feedback from agencies with a similar commitment."
OSHA termed the violations "serious," but said the case has not been closed and Pfizer has the right to contest the findings. If it does not contest the fines or if the agency's findings are confirmed, notice of the violations will have to be posted in the workplace, the agency said.
OSHA said an inspection followed a complaint received about unsafe working conditions.
OSHA denied a Freedom of Information request for more information about the case, saying it was still an open legal matter. OSHA said it was concerned that release of the information would interfere with an ongoing investigation and enforcement proceedings.
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