January 15, 2019
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) proposed citations for RKM Utility Services, Inc. (“RKM”) for allegedly failing to protect workers from exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas.
RKM is described as a utilities contractor.
The alleged exposure is stated to have occurred during a trenching operation in Dallas, Texas.
OSHA states that its inspectors determined that the company:
- Exposed employees to a hazardous atmosphere
- Failed to train employees on the health hazards of hydrogen sulfide
- Did not drain water from a trench
An employee is stated to have died after exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas.
OSHA proposes penalties in the amount of $422,006.
RKM has 15 days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Area Director, or contest the findings before the Independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
A copy of the January 11th news release can be found here.
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