Two Austin, Texas, construction contracting firms are facing more than $121,000 in combined fines for workplace safety violations involving trenching hazards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Sept. 6 cited Austin Constructors LLC and Muniz Concrete and Contracting Inc. for one willful and three serious safety violations at a work site in Austin.
The willful violation was for not having an adequate protective system in place for employees in the trench. The serious violations were for failing to support and cover utility lines in the trench, not protecting employees from loose rock or soil, and for not providing guardrails on walkways over the trench.
The company in charge of the work site, Muniz Concrete and Contracting Inc., was also cited for one serious violation for exposing workers to trench cave-in hazards. The inspection was initiated April 28, 2016, at the City of Austin Street Reconstruction and Utility Adjustment Project.
OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $113,486 for Austin Constructors LLC and $7,857 in penalties for Muniz Concrete and Contracting Inc.
Austin Constructors LLC, and Muniz Concrete and Contracting Inc., have 15 business days from receipt of their citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Source: OSHA
Topics Workers' Compensation Contractors
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