A Colorado excavating company was cited by OSHA after a worker was killed in a trench collapse when his feet became stuck in mud under water that had accumulated in the 16-foot deep excavation.
Inspectors found the company failed to use a protective system in the trench and allowed employees to work in the trench despite the accumulating water.
OSHA has placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, according to a Department of Labor news release.
Fine: $208,543
Company: Dunaway Excavating Inc., Strasburg, CO
Business: Site preparation contractors
Reasons for fine:
Two willful violations for failure to:
- take adequate precautions to protect employees against hazards posed by water accumulation in excavations
- protect employees working in trenches from cave-ins with an adequate protective system
Two serious violations for failure to:
- train employees in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions
- provide safe means of egress from trenches 4 feet or more in depth
