Port Neches, TX — April 11, 2025, Ricardo Manzo Contreras was killed due to a work accident which occurred along Main Street.
Investigators said that the accident took place at Main Street and Rachford Avenue at Sterling Shipyard.
Authorities with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration did not confirm the circumstances that killed 35-year-old Ricardo Manzo Contreras. Their incident summary lists multiple alleged violations and a recommended penalty.
The report lists the case status as “open.” At this time, additional details are unavailable.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
People tend to think that once OSHA digs into an accident and finds violations, everything else will follow from there. But even if the allegations of wrongdoing are true, OSHA’s priorities don’t often overlap with the needs of a worker’s family.
The reason for this is because there’s no guarantee in Texas work fatality law that families have a path to getting benefits following a loved one dying on the job. Sometimes, whatever solution there may be is up to the discretion of the worker’s employer. I’ve handled many Texas work fatality accidents over more than 30 years. In my experience, employers rarely ever put a worker’s loved ones before their own interests. That means families may need professionals on their side who can navigate a legal maze and ensure the family on a level playing field with a company whose goal is usually to minimize responsibility and shift blame.
With that in mind, a prudent first step is often to ensure the family is getting clear answers about what caused the accident. If OSHA didn’t do that on their own, it may be up to more thorough independent investigations.
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