Two Houston construction companies involved in building A and M’s new equine center have been fined for safety hazards related to a roof collapse last summer.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) says there’s a 15 day appeal period for the general contractor, Gamma Construction, and Ramco Erectors.
Four Ramco employees were hurt after the roof collapsed on a 300 foot long barn June 22.
OSHA says Ramco Erectors was cited for seven serious violations, with a penalty of $40,500, for failing to ensure that the steel structure was erected to maintain its structural stability; ensure fall protection components and wire rope clips used for rigging were of the drop-forged steel type; train workers on hazard recognition; provide a site-specific erection plan; inspect rigging components; and remove defective lifting hooks.
Gamma Construction, the project’s general contractor, was cited for one serious violation, with a penalty of $6,300, for failing to ensure the steel structure was erected to maintain structural stability.
OSHA says a serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
According to A&M’s athletics website, completion is expected early next year of the $35 million dollar first phase of the equine complex, where the collapse occured.
University officials declined comment on OSHA’s decision.