A sulfuric acid spill at an industrial facility in Houston became more than a cleanup- it became a reminder of why workplace safety matters. OSHA inspectors found that three employers exposed workers to hazardous chemical waste without training or properly fitted respirators during the cleanup, resulting in more than $3.5 million in proposed fines.
Following the spill, the facility owner, BWC Terminals LLC, contracted Coastal Environmental Solutions Inc. to handle the cleanup, which in turn hired subcontractor One Way Environmental LLC to provide laborers. All three companies were cited for OSHA violations that put the health and safety of workers at risk. The two contractors were found to have willfully exposed workers to these hazards.
The case reflects OSHA’s targeted enforcement approach: focusing on employers who repeatedly put workers at risk while emphasizing hazard abatement and real-world practices that help prevent injuries before they happen. Read the news release for more information. Visit our website for information on keeping workers safe during hazardous waste cleanup operations.
McCraren Compliance offers comprehensive safety training to help prevent accidents. Visit our class calendar to see how our training and consulting services can enhance your safety efforts.
Original article published by OSHA