OSHA has proposed more than $3.5 million in fines against three (3) companies after federal inspectors determined they failed to protect workers during post-emergency response cleanup after a chemical spill at an industrial facility in Channelview.
OSHA initiated three (3) inspections following a Dec. 27, 2025, sulfuric acid spill that resulted in multiple employee injuries. OSHA found that despite safety warnings, the facility mixed fresh and spent sulfuric acid, triggering a tank overpressure that ruptured a supply line and released 1 million gallons of sulfuric acid, resulting in multiple employee injuries.
Following the chemical spill, the facility contracted with a Waste Contractor to handle hazardous waste cleanup, and that contractor hired a subcontractor to provide laborers for the cleanup and remediation process.
OSHA investigators cited the subcontractor waste contractor for 18 willful egregious and five serious violations after investigators found the employer sent workers to clean up the chemical spill without adequate training, respirator fit tests, or safety measures. OSHA proposed $3,045,452 in penalties.
The main waste contractor faces $392,501 in proposed penalties for two willful and five serious violations that include a lack of training, a safety and health program, an emergency response plan for hazardous waste operations and emergency response, and deficiencies related to use of respirators.
The host facility was cited with six serious violations for exposing workers to chemical burns, failing to provide hazmat training, and deficiencies relating to the use of respirators. OSHA proposed $82,750 in penalties.
Cumulatively, proposed penalties against the three employers total $3,520,703.