OSHA Cites Pennsylvania Excavation Contractor After Fatal Trench Collapse
A worker installing a storm sewer was killed when a 12-foot-deep trench collapsed, prompting citations for alleged cave-in, inspection and access hazards.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Oct 09, 2026
OSHA alleges J.D. Wagoner Excavating willfully failed to protect workers from cave-ins before part of a trench wall gave way and soil engulfed an employee.
OSHA cited Jonas David Wagoner, who does business as the Pennsylvania-based company, and proposed $254,884 in penalties after opening an investigation April 2.
OSHA also issued repeat violations for failing to assign a competent person to inspect the trench daily and remove employees from hazardous conditions. The serious violations cover missing construction hazard-prevention training, the lack of a safe way to exit the excavation, materials kept closer than 2 feet to the trench edge, and materials not restrained from rolling into the trench.
The employer has 15 business days after receiving the citations to request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The citations and penalties are proposed.
OSHA offers guidance on protecting workers in trenches and excavations on its website. Employers can also reach the agency's compliance assistance specialists for free help meeting OSHA standards.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.