ConDig (02-Nov-17).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has hit Alta Construction Inc. with a fine of $106,000 for two serious violations after failing to follow safe trenching practices on a construction project in Boise, Idaho.

OSHA said the proposed fine comes after inspectors visited the Corona, California-based company’s construction project after receiving two complaints of unsafe trenching operations. Inspectors found employees inside a 7-feet deep trench without cave-in protection.

“Fortunately no one was injured, but it is imperative that companies use protective systems in trenches to keep their workers safe,” said OSHA Boise area director David Kearns.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings.

Last month, OSHA slapped a $201,354 fine on masonry contractor Ski Masonry LLC for fall and electrical violations on a construction site in Pittsburgh.

The agency also recently fined the owner of New Jersey-based contractor DH Construction LLC for scaffold violations on a construction site in Philadelphia.