Company Cited for Five Serious, One Willful Violation Relating to Trench Work Safety
Groundworks Colorado LLC’s fines total $198,000
- By Alex Saurman
- Apr 01, 2022
One Colorado-based company has been cited for trench safety after workers were found working in trenches up to 10 feet, 6 inches deep.
According to a press release, OSHA cited Groundworks Colorado, LLC of Grand Junction, Colorado, for one willful and five serious violations.
OSHA noted the company’s serious violations were for not training workers on safety, not providing protective helmets for workers in trenches, lack of protection from excavated materials, not having a means of egress from the trenches, and not conducting inspections. The willful violation was for not protecting employees from cave-ins.
“Every year, workers are hurt or killed in trench incidents that could have been prevented. Our investigation determined that Groundworks required workers to enter trenches that it knew were unsafe. They are extremely lucky their willful negligence has not led to a tragedy,” said OSHA Area Director Amanda Kupper in Denver in a press release. “Employers in the excavation industry must never allow their employees to be exposed to the risk of deadly cave-in hazards.”
The penalties total $198,893.
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.