Author: Ben Agosto III

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The Dangers of Backing Up Heavy Equipment Without a Spotter

Every year, numerous workplace accidents occur due to inadequate safety measures, particularly when it comes to operating heavy equipment. Backing up heavy equipment without a spotter is serious hazard that is very likely to cause serious bodily injury or death through striking or backing-over pedestrians. OSHA regulations make clear that several dangers arise from backing…

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Federal Investigation Report Blasts Houston Company’s Unsafe Practices Leading to January 2020 Explosion

In the early morning of January 23, 2020, an explosion occurred at the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. The explosion was immense. Hundreds of homes were damaged, and many residents of the local community were injured; those who were unfortunate enough to be in their homes that morning of the explosion. Years…

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An Overview of Laws Affecting Pipeline Operators in Texas

In the State of Texas, intrastate pipeline operators are governed by many different laws and regulations, including those promulgated by the Texas Railroad Commission (“RRC”). For example, to operate in Texas, a pipeline operator is required to submit a T-4 Permit to Operate, which is specifically a permit to operate a pipeline. The T-4 form…

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Texas Construction Workers Exposed to High Mortality Rate

For years, Texas has led the nation in occupational deaths, with the top percentage typically arising from construction. Despite apparent efforts to combat the inherent risk in construction and other industrious trades, employers have touted that new employees receive mandatory OSHA training in the hopes of mitigating the risk present while on the job. Still,…

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EPA Orders Northfolk Southern to Clean Up Its Mess

Figure 1 – Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Photo credit: www.apnews.com. On Tuesday morning, February 21, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) chief Michael Regan ordered that Norfolk Southern Railroad Company to pay for the cost of remediation for Norfolk Southern’s train derailment, in which 38 derailed. Of those…

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