OSHA proposes more than $94,000 in penalties of trench in Atlanta

U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA proposes more than $94,000 in penalties following inspection of construction trench in Atlanta

ATLANTA — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $94,250 in penalties for seven safety violations after inspecting an Atlanta worksite on Fulton Industrial Boulevard where employees of two construction contractors were installing storm drainage and sewer lines.

OSHA cited with two repeat safety violations and proposed penalties of $75,000. Company violations include exposing employees to cave-in hazards by placing excavated material within two feet of the trench and allowing employees to work in an 18-foot-deep trench without an adequate protective system. The company also has been cited with one serious violation carrying a $7,000 proposed penalty for not providing employees with a means of egress from the trench. Graham, Ala.-based company has been cited with four serious safety violations and $12,250 in proposed penalties. OSHA noted the contractor failed to provide hazard recognition training to employees, provided inadequate access for a 24-foot-deep trench, allowed excavated materials to be placed too near the edge of a trench and did not provide an adequate protective system for employees working in a trench.

“These employers were well aware of the OSHA requirements, yet in the interest of saving time, bypassed critical safety measures and placed their employees at serious risk,” said Andre Richards, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-West Area Office.

The companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations to contest the violations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA’s Atlanta-West Area Office, 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga.; telephone 770-984-8700.

OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to promote the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.