U.S. Department of Labor Cites Florida Company and Proposes $148,845 in Penalties for Exposing Employees to Trenching Hazards

LOGANVILLE, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited R.A.W. Construction LLC for exposing its employees to trench collapse hazards. The Tallahassee-based company faces proposed penalties of $148,845.

During its investigation of the company’s Loganville worksite, OSHA identified two repeat and five serious violations, including failing to provide cave-in protection, and safe access and egress to employees installing gas lines at the excavation site, and not setting excavated materials at least 2 feet from the excavation. The inspections were part of the Agency’s National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation.

“Employees who enter unprotected trenches face the risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries,” said OSHA Atlanta-East Area Office Director William Fulcher. “It is vitally important that employers train their employees to recognize and avoid trenching and excavation hazards.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.