Business & Tech

Landover-based Businesses Face $60,000 in OSHA Fines

The fines come after three employees were hospitalized with burns.

After three workers were hospitalized with serious burns, OSHA cited a company that does business in Landover with more than a dozen safety violations, according to a statement released by the Department of Labor. 

Emcor Government Services and EEC Inc., both part of the Arlington-based Emcor Group, were fined more than $60,000. The two companies both work out of Landover.

EEC faces a $25,200 fine for 16 “serious violations,” according to the statement. A citation is "serious" if there is a “substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.” 

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Emcor Government Services was cited with six similar violations carrying a $35,000 penalty. 

During an inspection, OSHA found flammable vapor hazards at a site where employees had been replacing commercial ductwork insulation. The inspection was prompted after a flash fire had started in the ductwork – sending three employees to the hospital with serious burns, according to the statement. 

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“Confined spaces are commonly characterized by toxic, oxygen-deficient or flammable atmospheres that can be deadly for employees working in those spaces,” Michael Stracka, acting director of OSHA’s Baltimore Area Office, said in a statement.

“No worker should ever enter a confined space until the atmosphere has been tested, atmospheric hazards have been eliminated or proper respiratory protection is supplied and used, and adequate rescue procedures are in place,” he said. 

According to the statement, EEC failed to properly store flammable materials, control flammable vapors and ensure workplace safety, among other violations. 


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