OSHA Cites Four Contractors at Camp Lejeune Construction Site

May 21, 2004
Four contractors at the Marine Corps base failed to follow orders OSHA orders, that is and have been issued a total of $134,200 in proposed fines.

OSHA cited a general contractor and three sub-contractors following the inspection of a Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base construction site. Although most job safety and health inspections in the state are conducted by the North Carolina Department of Labor, federal OSHA retains jurisdiction on military posts and other federal property.

OSHA began its inspection on Jan. 5. It included reviewing the U.S. Marine Corps' investigation of a serious injury resulting from a Nov. 19 wall collapse at the Consolidated Academic Instruction Facility. The agency's findings determined that four 26-foot-high concrete block walls had no temporary bracing and no limited-access zones.

OSHA issued one willful citation to the general contractor, C Construction Company Inc., with a proposed penalty of $56,000, for failing to provide temporary bracing for the masonry walls. The Tyler, Texas-based company was also cited for three alleged serious safety violations, with proposed penalties of $5,700, for failing to: establish a limited-access zone prior to beginning construction; provide an adequate guardrail system; and assure that equipment functioned properly. The company received a "repeat" citation, with a proposed penalty of $3,000, for failing to guard open-sided floors, exposing employees to fall hazards.

OSHA also issued a willful citation to Rush Construction Company Inc. with a proposed penalty of $56,000, for failure to provide temporary bracing during construction of the masonry walls. The Jacksonville, N.C.-based company was also cited for four alleged serious safety violations, including failure to provide adequate guardrails systems and a limited-access zone. These citations carry total proposed penalties of $7,500.

Additionally, OSHA cited two other Jacksonville-based companies, Southerland Electric Company Inc. and Ramsey Air Conditioning Inc. Each company received two serious citations, with penalties totaling $3,000, for failing to provide required guardrail systems.

The four companies have 15 business days to contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!