OSHA cited a Georgia plumbing contractor following a trench collapse that claimed the life of a 20-year-old worker and hospitalized another employee.
The workers were installing sewer-line piping in a trench on Aug. 10, 2023 when the trench’s side collapsed. One worker sustained fatal injuries while the other was hospitalized due to several fractures suffered in the collapse.
Inspectors determined that the contractor didn’t provide trench shields that were used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and failed to provide a safe means to exit the trench box.
Other violations involved defective trench shields and a failure to train employees to recognize trench-related hazards.
Fine: $308,125
Company: Pyles Plumbing and Utility Contractors Inc., Macon, Georgia
Business: Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors
Reasons for fine:
Two willful violations for failing to:
- provide trench shields that were used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
- provide a safe means of egress from a trench box
Three serious violations for failing to:
- train employees to recognize and avoid hazards
- prevent employees from working underneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment
- provide a trench shield free from damage and defects