A Jaffrey company cited by federal regulators for workplace safety violations after a series of explosions and fires has agreed to pay a $100,000 fine and to take significant steps to prevent future problems.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited New England Wood Pellet LLC in April in connection with explosions and fires in October 2011 that took more than 100 firefighters from 12 towns to put down. Inspectors found numerous hazards, including the absence of protective devices and a buildup of sawdust throughout the plant.
OSHA says the company has agreed to implement measures to prevent, detect and suppress potential fires and will hire a third-party expert to evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts.