Texas Underground Tank Contractor Cited for Excavation Hazards

Federal workplace safety regulators have cited Texas-based UST Systems Inc. for trench safety violations after the company allowed its employees to enter an excavation site in Austin without proper protections or training on the dangers of unsupported soils. UST Systems Inc. faces $35,844 in penalties proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

OSHA inspectors visited the company worksite and found employees preparing an excavation for a new underground storage tank. The excavation lacked sloping, benching, or shoring required to support the soil walls.

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

Source: OSHA