OSHA fines utility contractor $50,000 for alleged safety violations at Dripping Springs, Texas, work

[Omaha Steve]

http://hr.cch.com/news/safety/041009a.asp

OSHA has cited Austin-based Key Enterprises Inc. with four serious and two repeat violations of safety standards at the company's worksite in Dripping Springs, Texas. Proposed penalties total $50,000.

"Employees should not be exposed to the dangers of excavation hazards," said Eric S. Harbin, OSHA's area director in Austin. "In this case, it is fortunate that no one was injured."

OSHA's Austin Area Office began its investigation on Sept. 22 at the company's worksite along Highway 290 West in Dripping Springs. The investigation found serious violations including the company's failure to position a ladder within 25 feet of workers in the trench; to remove objects that could have fallen into the excavation and to test the atmosphere for possible gases that may have been present. A serious violation exists when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

The two repeat violations were for failing to ensure employees were adequately protected from cave-ins and to remove workers from a worksite with known excavation hazards. A repeat violation is defined as a violation that was previously cited and, upon re-inspection, a substantially similar violation is found. OSHA previously cited Key Enterprises in July 2007 and again in July 2008 for similar violations.

FULL story at link.