Two Government Contractors Fined More Than $60,000

The U.S Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited both Emcor Group Inc. (Emcor Government Services) and EEC Inc. for serious safety violations. These violations occurred during an inspection at a building in Washington, D.C. after three workers were hospitalized with serious burns from a flash fire that occurred inside ductwork.Emcor Government Services was cited for six serious violations, including: failing to control flammable vapors, failing to address hazards associated with working in confined spaced, failing to identify precautions during hot work operations, failing to ensure safe performance of welding operations in a flammable atmosphere, and failing to ensure the use of approved electrical equipment in a flammable atmosphere. These citations carry a total fine of $35,000.

EEC, Inc. has been cited with sixteen serious violations with a total fine of $25,200. Some of EEC, Inc.’s serious violations include failing to: properly use a ladder and store highly flammable material, control flammable vapors, identify precautions during hot work operations, perform a hazard assessment to determine correct personal protective equipment, recognize hazards associated with working in confined spaces, ensure workplace safety during welding operations in a flammable atmosphere, and provide hazardous communication training and ensure the use of approved electrical equipment in a flammable atmosphere.