A Washington contractor has been fined $437,591 in the death of a worker last year killed when a trench collapsed on him. Surjit Gill, 36, was killed on a project in Renton, Washington, in September when the dirt walls of the trench collapsed and buried him.
AAA Contractors was fined by the Washington state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), which also cited the company for three willful, one serious violation, and several general violations in connection with the death.
According to L&I, its inspectors determined that Gill had been working in a trench 18 to 20 feet deep at a new housing development. No one had inspected the trench for safety before the worker entered, and the shields installed were inadequate for the soil type and depth. Employees inside the trench also did not have a safe way of getting out.
“One cubic yard of soil can weigh more than a car,” said Craig Blackwood, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “Dirt walls can collapse suddenly and without any warning. That’s why there are safety rules in place. The requirements are well known by employers in the industry, and effective when followed. Mr. Gill should still be alive today.”
Blackwood said when L&I inspectors arrived at the Renton site, they found the trench box designed to hold back the soil was 4 feet shorter than the top of the trench. Another trench box was found on site, not being used. Inspectors said if AAA Contractors had stacked that box on top of the other one, the cave-in might have been prevented.
Inspectors also found that two ladder sections had been tied together with rope, which is not permitted. The makeshift extension still was not tall enough to extend the required 3 feet above the trench. Also, the ladder side rails and rungs were damaged, and it should not have been used.
General violations including not having a first-aid certified person on site, the supervisor or person in charge was not first aid certified, and there were no documented walk around safety inspections.
AAA Contractors has been identified as a severe violator and is now subject to greater scrutiny. The company has filed an appeal.
Source: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
