Labor Department Cites Contractor for 16 Serious Violations After Fatalities

DOL News Releases

Filed February 17th, 2026

Detected February 18th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Construction Labor Services Inc. for 16 serious violations following a worksite incident that resulted in two worker fatalities due to exposure to sewage gas. The agency has proposed penalties totaling $257,707.

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What changed

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed penalties of $257,707 against Construction Labor Services Inc. after an investigation revealed 16 serious safety violations. These violations contributed to a hazardous condition where workers were exposed to sewage gas in a manhole, leading to two fatalities and one worker becoming unresponsive. The investigation found the employer lacked essential confined space entry programs, procedures, training, and emergency response plans.

Construction Labor Services Inc. has 15 business days to respond to the citations by complying, requesting an informal conference, or contesting the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Failure to address these violations could result in adjusted penalties. The agency also highlighted resources for employers on confined workspace safety and compliance assistance.

What to do next

Review and ensure compliance with confined space entry standards.
Implement and train employees on confined space entry programs and emergency response plans.
Consult OSHA's compliance assistance resources for guidance on meeting safety standards.

Penalties

$257,707 in proposed penalties

Source document (simplified)

News Release

US Department of Labor cites Alabama contractor for exposing workers to sewage gas that resulted in 2 fatalities

BIRMINGHAM, AL – A U.S. Department of Labor investigation found numerous safety hazards at a Mobile worksite where Construction Labor Services Inc. workers were exposed to sewage gases, resulting in two fatalities.

Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that on Aug. 11, 2025, three Construction Labor Services workers were installing and repairing sewer lines inside of a manhole when they were overcome by sewer gas and became unresponsive. One worker regained consciousness and managed to self-rescue, and the two other workers succumbed to their injuries.

Federal safety investigators determined the employer lacked confined space entry programs, procedures, training, and emergency response plans, including plans to determine acceptable entry conditions for confined spaces.

OSHA cited Construction Labor Services Inc. with 16 serious violations and proposed penalties of $257,707.

Construction Labor Services Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for changes in the inspection or penalty status.

OSHA’s confined workspaces webpage includes information on standard requirements, hazard recognition, and controlling safety hazards. Employers can contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date February 17, 2026 Release Number 26-109-ATL Media Contact: Erika Ruthman Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov Media Contact: Eric R. Lucero Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email lucero.eric.r@dol.gov Share This
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