Utility Beefs Up Safety After Two Contract Workers Die in Sludge Room

Tuesday, November 1, 2016 | 0

El Paso Water has strengthened its safety requirements for contractors following the deaths of two workers in 2014, wateronline.com reported.

Carlos Ramos and John Barrow, who worked for Cubic Water LLC, were replacing a sludge pump at Roberto R. Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant when they were trapped in a room flooded with sludge.

OSHA cited Cubic with seven serious violations and initially penalized the firm $30,400 before dropping the fine to $18,000.

El Paso Water now will require safety records from bidders, contractors and subcontractors for projects worth more than $100,000, wateronline.com said.

The required documentation will include workers’ compensation forms from insurers and OSHA records.