Region 6 News Release: 10-626-DAL
May 13, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Corpus Christi, Texas-based
mobile home park for exposing workers to trenching hazards

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Bardav Inc., doing business as Martha's Vineyard Mobile Home Park in Corpus Christi, with two alleged willful and 11 alleged serious violations for exposing workers to trenching violations while repairing a water pipe. Proposed penalties total $50,250.

"OSHA has standards to prevent trenching accidents, and they must be followed to prevent injuries or fatalities," said Michael Rivera, OSHA's area director in Corpus Christi.

OSHA's Corpus Christi Area Office began its investigation on March 25 at the mobile park's location on Stone Street and found two alleged willful workplace safety violations for failing to follow a competent person's recommendations and to provide workers with adequate protection from a possible trench cave-in. OSHA issues a willful citation when there is evidence of the intentional violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act or plain indifference to its requirements.

Serious citations include failing to provide workers with egress when working in a trench that is 5 feet deep, to provide personal protective equipment, to provide eyewash in the use of corrosive chemicals and to ensure workers are trained on excavation hazards. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Detailed information on trenching and excavation hazards and safety is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexcavation/index.html.

Bardav Inc., which owns residential mobile homes and employs about 11 workers, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Corpus Christi, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards may contact OSHA's Corpus Christi Area Office at 361-888-3420 or call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to employees.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.