Louisiana Contractor Fined More than $152K for Federal Safety Violations

A construction contractor in Louisiana has been cited and fined over what federal safety officials say are hazardous workplace conditions. Proposed penalties total $152,147.

Don M. Barron Contractor Inc. in Baton Rouge was issued citations on Nov. 22 after a U .S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation found that workers were exposed to hazardous gas while entering a sewer system. Federal safety and health investigators found the company allowed the workers inside a confined space without having tested the space for hazards.

OSHA began an investigation after two workers lost consciousness and collapsed at a Barron construction site.

OSHA issued citations for six serious violations and one willful violation. The agency also cited company for failing to maintain gas testing meters and rescue equipment, and for not training all employees in confined space entry.

Don M. Barron Contractor specializes in commercial buildings and utilities. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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