OSHA Fines Idaho Company Over Natural Gas Explosion
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined a Lewiston, Idaho construction company for its role in a natural gas explosion in downtown Lewiston last November.
The Lewiston Tribune reported OSHA cited M.L. Albright and Sons for failing to anticipate the change in the depth of the natural gas line, which was hit with an excavator bucket.
OSHA proposed a $4,900 fine on March 1 and reduced it to $2,450. Department of Labor spokesman Jose Carnevali says half has been paid.
Company owner Wayne Albright says the company took numerous steps to determine the depth of the natural gas line. The spot where it was hit was a spot where the line was shallower because it was buried other utilities.
No one was seriously injured.
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