OSHA has issued citations for one willful and five serious violations to Groundworks Colorado, doing business as Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, as OSHA found the company willfully allowed workers to work in trenches up to 10 feet 6 inches deep without protective or retaining devices in place.
The agency identified serious violations for allowing workers in trenches up to 10 feet, 6 inches without protective helmets, ladders or other safe means of egress. They also determined workers had not received training on trenching hazards or how to recognize and control those hazards.
The company also failed to have a competent person inspect the trenches prior to the start of work, and allowed excavated materials to be placed within 2 feet of the excavation’s edge.
The agency has proposed penalties of $198,893.
“Every year, workers are hurt or killed in trench incidents that could have been prevented," said OSHA area director Amanda Kupper in Denver. "Our investigation determined that Groundworks required workers to enter trenches that it knew were unsafe. They are extremely lucky their willful negligence has not led to a tragedy. Employers in the excavation industry must never allow their employees to be exposed to the risk of deadly cave-in hazards.”
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
