AUBURN — A Livermore man was awarded nearly $150,000 by a jury that found a contractor at a biomass electricity generating plant in Livermore Falls was responsible for his injuries.

Brian Rackliff, 38, suffered serious shoulder and leg injuries when he fell through a hole about 70 feet above ground that was used for hoisting machinery at the plant. He managed to break his fall with his arms and hands and climbed to safety, not falling the full 70 feet.

Rackliff’s injuries required two surgeries to repair his shoulder and more surgeries to clean out a leg wound, according to his attorney, Michael Bigos. He also was awarded damages for lost work time.

A contractor, Castine Energy Construction, formerly of Fairfield, had been performing work at the plant. The contractor created the temporary access in the floor in the plant but failed to cover it when not in use. The contractor also failed to provide the necessary safety guardrails in violation of federal work area safety regulations.

An Androscoggin County Superior Court jury awarded Rackliff $144,511 last week following a trial.

Bigos said the verdict “reflects our community’s commitment to the importance of following (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety requirements.”