Trenching Hazards Unearthed at Georgia Worksite
The inspection was initiated as part of OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation. Proposed penalties total $45,000.
OSHA has cited MVP Piping Co. Inc. of Acworth, Ga., for two trenching violations while workers were installing sewer lines along South Lake Terrace in Rossville, Ga. MVP Piping was contracted by Georgia's Catoosa County to complete phase three of the sewer project. The inspection was initiated as part of OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation. Proposed penalties total $45,000.
A willful citation has been issued for failing to provide workers protection against cave-in hazards while they were working in a trench greater than 5 feet in depth. The company also has been cited for a serious violation regarding potential exposure of employees without head protection to falling material while they were working in a trench.
"This employer is aware of OSHA's rules with regard to excavation and trenching but put employees' lives at risk by causing them to work in an unprotected trench," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office. "Risking the safety of workers is not a responsible business decision."