Casino construction worker killed
Latest job-site accident at Wynn Boston Harbor
A worker died after a job-site accident Tuesday at Wynn Boston Harbor, where federal construction safety authorities have three open investigations involving injuries.
Joe Teixeira, 56, of Seekonk, a four-year employee of J. Derenzo Co., was operating an excavator when a piece of heavy construction material fell on the vehicle’s cab. Teixeira was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we learn of the loss of longtime J. Derenzo Co. employee and friend, Joe Teixeira, resulting from injuries sustained at the Wynn Boston jobsite,” said Jessica Tocco, a Derenzo spokeswoman. “Our deepest-felt thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family, friends and co-workers, as well as everyone impacted by this incident. We offer our condolences and support in the aftermath of this tragic event.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, along with three other open cases. Last month, a worker was injured when a scissor lift tipped over, and in January a worker fell down an elevator shaft. Late last year, a worker was hit by an excavator bucket.
Another case was closed after OSHA investigators found no violations.
The $2.4-billion Everett casino project is the largest private construction development in state history, officials have said, with approximately 1,500 workers on-site every day. Workers have logged more than 2.3 million hours so far.
At the site yesterday, workers continued construction. Wynn spokesman Greg John said work has continued after the accident, and said there will not be any delay in the opening date, scheduled for June 24, 2019. Wynn executives told construction supervisors about the death in a meeting this morning, and some held a moment of silence.
“It could happen to any of us,” said one worker, who declined to give his name. “He was doing what he’s done for years.”
Another worker said accidents are part of the job.
“There’s hazards in all this stuff,” he said.
Last year, 21 construction workers were killed on the job in Massachusetts, according to Mass-COSH, an occupational safety advocacy group.
The project is embroiled in controversy following media reports earlier this year about alleged sexual misconduct by since-deposed Wynn Resorts mogul Steve Wynn. The state Gaming Commission is re-investigating Wynn in light of the allegations, as well hefty settlements that were undisclosed in the original background check.