Excavation Company Continually Cited By OSHA

by, Robert J. Box

LA PORTE, Texas – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently penalized an excavation contractor $70,000 for a willful citation related to workers in an unprotected trench.

Angel Brothers Enterprises, a Baytown, Texas based excavation company under contract with Harris County Precinct 2, was purportedly installing storm sewers and adjusting underground utilities on December 10, 2015 in La Porte, Texas.  According to OSHA, Angel Brothers Enterprises employees were working in an unprotected excavation 9-feet deep without any type of shoring, benching or sloping protection for the workers.

An OSHA Compliance Officer, who was driving by and happened to see the workers in the unprotected trench, initiated the investigation and subsequent citation.  OSHA Compliance Officers are authorized to immediately investigate sightings of unprotected workers in excavations and trenches as part of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Trenching.

This is the sixth time since 2009 that OSHA has inspected and cited Angel Brothers Enterprises.  Five of the six previous inspections included citations involving Angel Brothers allowing workers to enter an unprotected trench or excavation.

“Angel Brothers is well aware of the dangers associated with trenching and of OSHA standards.  There is absolutely no excuse for continuing to endanger its workers,” said Mark Briggs, OSHA’s area director in the Houston South office.  “It is fortunate our compliance officer was able to catch the violations before someone was buried alive.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citation 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.

Safety First Consulting helps businesses identify OSHA compliance issues in their workplaces, manage their safety programs, and we become accountable for the results.  In addition to offering custom written safety programs for companies, Safety First Consulting provides required safety training, industrial hygiene sampling, noise sampling, and workplace inspections.