Texas Utility Contractor Fined $50K for Alleged Safety Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently 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, OSHA said.

“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 previously was cited where, 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. Combined penalties were $5,875.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Austin or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA, www.osha.gov