The Texas Construction News staff writer
ALVIN — A Houston utility contractor is facing $343,797 in proposed federal penalties after an excavation collapse at a residential development site in Brazoria County sent a construction worker to the hospital.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Blazey Construction Services LLC following an investigation into the collapse, which occurred while crews were installing underground sewer and water mains in Alvin.
OSHA inspectors cited the company for two repeat violations and one other-than-serious violation. According to the agency, Blazey Construction failed to provide required cave-in protection systems under federal trenching standards, failed to provide a safe means of exit—such as a ladder within 25 feet of lateral travel—and failed to report the worker’s inpatient hospitalization within the mandatory 24-hour window.
“Excavation work remains among the most hazardous operations in the construction industry,” OSHA noted in its enforcement report, emphasizing that safety guidelines regarding shoring, sloping, and egress are critical to preventing cave-ins.
Blazey Construction Services has 15 business days to comply, arrange an informal conference, or contest the proposed citations.
