Grisly reminder: Unprotected trenches can be deadly
Two recent incidents show how unprotected trenches can be deadly, even if an employee isn’t completely buried by soil after a collapse.
Trenching
Judge says OSHA violation wasn’t willful because supervisor was confused
When is an OSHA fine categorized as willful rather than serious? The question arose in the recent appeal of a construction case involving trenching.
Nearly $1.5M in fines for 2 worker deaths in unprotected 12-foot deep trench
Imagine this: You’re working in an unprotected trench when, not only does it collapse but a nearby fire hydrant instantly floods the excavation with water. Two men met their deaths in Boston that way, and now their employer faces a seven-figure fine.
Not reporting injuries could bring an OSHA inspector to your door
Questions have arisen about whether the Trump administration has weakened the OSHA electronic injury reporting rule because there appear to be few (if any) penalties tied to not reporting. That’s changed.
OSHA cracking down after 22 trench-related deaths in first half of 2022
OSHA is launching an enhanced enforcement initiative to combat a 68% increase in trench-related deaths in the first half of 2022. The agency says that 22 workers have died in trenching and excavation work in the first six months of 2022, surpassing the 15 trench-related fatalities that occurred in all of 2021. Protective systems, pre-work […]
OSHA issues more willful and repeat violations in ’08 than in ’07
Recent statistics show OSHA continues to focus its inspections on specific problems, rather than conduct them randomly.
OSHA offers 6 tips to combat trench hazards as part of new Midwest region outreach campaign
OSHA’s Midwest Region is teaming up with state agencies and construction industry leaders in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin to raise awareness about excavation hazards. Thirty-nine people died while performing trench or excavation work in the U.S. in 2022. Four of those deaths occurred in Illinois and two others in Ohio, according to […]
OSHA seeks to monitor company’s operations
Pointing to an alleged pattern of violations, OSHA is seeking a court order to require a Norridge, IL, company to provide a monthly report of its work locations so they can be monitored.
OSHA sets sights on 2 big construction industry hazards for FY 21
The construction industry will remain a primary focus for OSHA inspectors for the foreseeable future, judging from information contained in the agency’s fiscal year 2019 annual performance report. OSHA intends to focus its efforts within the industry toward falls – the leading cause of death in construction – and trenching hazards. The report, which is […]
OSHA’s top 10 violations and fines for 2008
Sure, OSHA has been more “business-friendly” in the last eight years. But it hasn’t been a paper tiger. New statistics on the agency’s citations and penalties for fiscal year 2008 show just the opposite. And with a new administration in January, OSHA is set to issue even more fines.
Over half-million dollars in fines for trench fatality; criminal charges may follow
First Samuel Morgan was partially buried in the collapse of a seven-foot deep trench. Then he was mangled by construction equipment in a botched rescue attempt. Now his employer faces $560,000 in safety fines.
Secretary Solis: We’re back in the enforcement business
U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis had two messages for attendees at the American Society of Safety Engineers’ annual conference: We’re here to help companies provide safe workplaces, but we’ll also crack down on those who don’t.
Sewer trench posed more than one preventable deadly dangers
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Trench collapse buries worker; $168K fine for his death
A California construction company will pay a hefty Cal/OSHA fine and still faces possible criminal charges in connection with the death of a worker in an excavation collapse.
Trench collapse kills worker, but company doesn’t learn its lesson: $714K in fines
You’d think after an employee died in a trench collapse a company would follow good practices during excavation projects. That wasn’t the case with this company.
Water accumulation and trenches: A deadly combo
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