The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Houston utility construction company after an investigation found employees were exposed to serious safety hazards following an excavation collapse that left a worker hospitalised.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched its investigation into Blazey Construction Services LLC after the incident occurred during sewer and water pipe installation work for a residential development in Alvin, Texas.
Safety failures identified
OSHA determined that Blazey Construction Services failed to provide adequate protection for the excavation, did not ensure workers had a safe means of egress from the trench and failed to report the worker’s hospitalisation within the required 24-hour period under federal law.
Following its investigation, OSHA cited the company for two repeat violations and one other-than-serious violation.
The agency has proposed penalties totalling $343,797.
Next steps
Blazey Construction Services has 15 business days from receiving the citations to comply with the requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
