OSHA has cited SER Construction Partners LLC with one willful violation for exposing workers repairing a water line to excavation hazards at a Conroe work site. OSHA's Houston North Area Office began its December 2012 inspection as part of a national emphasis program on trenching and excavation. Proposed penalties total $69,300.

"A cave-in can turn into a grave in a matter of seconds. Failing to protect workers from cave-ins is simply unacceptable," said David Doucet, OSHA's area director at its Houston North office. "OSHA has specific standards regarding the proper sloping, shoring and shielding of an excavation site that can save lives."

A willful violation was cited for failing to provide proper shoring protection while repairing a damaged 16-inch water line.

Information on excavation hazards and safeguards is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexcavation/index.html.

Houston-based SER Construction Partners employs about 230 workers who specialize in underground utility construction.