OSHA cites transportation firm for safety hazards

U.S. workplace safety regulators have cited a Pennsylvania transportation and disposal company for willfully exposing workers to confined space and fall hazards and has proposed penalties totaling $333,756.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Downingtown, Pennsylvania-based US Environmental Inc. for 12 safety violations after investigators inspected its facility in May and found that the company failed to implement rescue procedures for employees in confined spaces, provide protective equipment when working in confined spaces and provide employees with fall protection training and equipment, according to an agency statement published Wednesday. OSHA cited the industrial energy services company for four willful, seven serious and one other-than-serious violations.

“It is fortunate that workers did not suffer serious injuries or worse,” OSHA Area Office Director Theresa Downs in Philadelphia said in the statement. “Employers must follow appropriate atmospheric testing procedures and provide adequate training and safety equipment to protect workers from potential confined space hazards.”

A company spokesperson declined to comment.