OSHA fines two Alabama contractors over excavation violations

ConDig (31-Jan-19).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined two Alabama contractors $88,482 for excavation violations on a residential project in Hoover, Alabama.

The agency said that it cited OLA Inc. – operating as Outdoor Living Areas Inc. – and Calloway Inc. – operating as American Lawn Co. – for allowing employees to work in a trench without hard hats and cave-in protection.

OSHA also cited the contractors for failing to train employees on excavation hazards, provide a safe entry and exit from the trench, place soil piles away from trench edges and ensure a competent person inspected the trench before allowing employees to enter.  

“Employers are legally required to slope, shore or shield trench walls to avoid a collapse, and must ensure that workers are properly trained and use approved equipment to prevent serious or fatal injuries,” said OSHA Birmingham area director Ramona Morris.

The companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Last month, the agency fined a Florida roofing contractor $146,280 for exposing employees to fall hazards on projects in Palm Beach Gardens and Port Saint Lucie, Florida.

OSHA fined a Florida roofing contractor $64,974 last month for exposing employees to fall hazards on a project in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. The agency said it cited Lake Worth-based Garabar Inc for allowing workers to make repairs to a roof without fall protection.

OSHA added that it recently updated its National Emphasis Program on preventing injuries related to trenching and excavation collapses. OSHA’s trenching and excavation webpage provides additional information on trenching hazards and solutions, including a trenching operations QuickCard and a “Protect Workers in Trenches” poster.