The companies face $648,094 in proposed fines, and three were cited for willful violations, meaning OSHA believes they knowingly ignored excavation safety rules.
The initial round is expected to support training for 631 workers, part of an estimated $4 million in federally funded grants.
Snohomish Fire crews now set heavy equipment pulled from their trucks on a utility cart rather than the ground.
Police said Cal/OSHA was briefed and county prosecutors are helping investigate, while the medical examiner handles the death inquiry.
A state investigation identified an overloaded crane, inadequate operator training and a lack of equipment inspections as contributing factors in the fatal lifting incident.
From schools and hospitals to commercial buildings, construction teams must coordinate vehicle and pedestrian traffic to protect workers and the public while facilities remain operational.
As state laws and workplace risks evolve, more employers are reexamining how they protect employees who work alone.
A newly signed law strengthens procedures for investigating serious workplace incidents and expands potential criminal liability for certain safety violations.
The awards will be presented March 2, 2027, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.
International working groups will examine occupational health risks, smart protective equipment and oversight of AI tools.