Mass. Company Fined in Wake of Cape Cod Crane Deaths

A Massachusetts company that employed two utility workers who died when the crane they were in tipped over as they worked on high-tension power lines on Cape Cod is facing $168,000 in fines.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration in announcing the fines Wednesday said Mass Bay Electrical Corp. did not follow proper procedures for setting up and operating the crane and did not properly train its employees.

The company was doing contract work for electric utility NStar in Bourne when the crane tipped over and the men plunged more than 100 feet. The victims were identified as Joseph L. Boyd III, of Fall River, and John Loughran, of Quincy.

The company has 15 days to respond. A spokeswoman says the company is reviewing OSHA’s citation but refused further comment.