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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 08/04/2003 - Safety and Health Hazards Bring $78,600 in Fines to Closner Construction Co. in Laredo, Texas |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 6 News Release: OSHA-03-152 Mon., Aug. 4, 2003 Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd Phone: (214)767-4776, Ext. 222 or 221 Safety and Health Hazards Bring $78,600 in Fines to Closner Construction Co. in Laredo, Texas DALLAS -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced it is imposing $78,600 in fines against a Laredo construction company because it failed to provide its employees with adequate protection and training for the dangers of cave-ins and other hazardous conditions. OSHA's Corpus Christi area office began an investigation Feb. 20 during a planned inspection at the company's worksite on Interstate Highway 359E in Laredo. Closner Construction Co., headquartered in Laredo, specializes in highway road construction and employs about 65 workers¾four were at the worksite. OSHA cited Closner Construction with one serious and five repeat violations of safety standards. The alleged repeat violations include failing to conduct regular safety inspections, failing to adequately train employees on the hazards of possible trenching and cave-ins and failing to provide safe egress from a trench. Workers should install a ladder or ramp for easy access and egress. OSHA's investigation revealed that neither was provided. A repeat violation is defined as a violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order where, upon reinspection, a substantially similar violation is found. The alleged serious violation was for exposing employees to unhealthful working conditions by providing them with one common drinking cup, which can cause serious health problems. A serious violation is one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. "This company has had five inspections since March 2000 resulting in penalties totaling almost $20,000," said John Giefer, area director of OSHA's Corpus Christi area office. "Repeated incidents indicate the company's indifference." Closner Construction Co. has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Corpus Christi area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health and Review Commission. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call the OSHA Corpus Christi area office at (361) 888-3420. OSHA's toll-free hotline number may be used to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers at 1-800-321-6742. OSHA is dedicated to assuring workers safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov ### U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. |
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