After investigating a trench collapse that resulted in a worker’s death, OSHA alleges that the contractor might have prevented the fatal injuries if it had used trench safety protection measures. The worker was installing storm water drainage in an 8-foot-deep trench along Old Highway 60 in Dudley, Missouri.
According to OSHA, Brown Construction Co. failed to use a trench box, or to shore or slope the trench walls to prevent collapse. The company did not provide a required means to exit the 80-foot-long trench. It also failed to train employees about excavation hazards and safety precautions and did not have a competent person inspect the trench daily for potential hazards.
“A collapse takes just seconds and often ends a life forever,” said Bill McDonald, OSHA area director in St. Louis, in a prepared statement. “Employers are legally responsible for following required safety measures and training workers so they recognize hazards and potentially hazardous situations. Sadly, tragedy has struck again for a worker trapped in a trench, and their family, friends and co-workers are left to grieve.”
OSHA cited Brown Construction for four serious violations of federal trenching and excavation standards, and proposed penalties of $58,008.
Source: OSHA
