OSHA Cites Illinois Utility Contractor After Workers Seen in Unprotected Trench
The trench had no cave-in protection or safe way out, workers lacked hardhats, and materials and equipment sat less than 2 feet from the edge.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Oct 23, 2026
Workers for a utility construction company based in Frankfort, Illinois, were repeatedly exposed to excavation hazards, OSHA alleges. Proposed penalties against Always Underground LLC total $380,664.
OSHA classified three of the four alleged violations as repeat violations. One involves the lack of a safe means of egress for workers. Another involves the trench having no protective system to guard against cave-ins. The third covers failing to keep equipment, excavated material and other materials at least 2 feet back from the edge.
The fourth alleged violation is classified as serious. It involves not giving workers hardhats to protect them from falling objects.
The investigation began under OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Trenching. Agency staff opened it after they saw workers inside an unprotected trench more than 8 feet deep.
The citations and penalties are proposed. Always Underground has 15 business days from receiving them to respond. It can comply, ask for an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the findings at the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Employers can contact OSHA for compliance assistance resources and free help meeting agency standards. Information on protecting workers around trenches and excavations is available on the agency's website.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.