U.S. Department of Labor Cites Florida Contractor for Exposing Employees To Cave-In Hazards at Excavation Site in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Jax Utilities Management Inc. for exposing employees to cave-in hazards at a Jacksonville, Florida, worksite. The construction contractor faces $56,405 in penalties.

OSHA initiated the inspection as part of the National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation after an investigator saw two employees working in an excavation without cave-in protection. OSHA cited the company for exposing employees to struck-by hazards by failing to adequately slope the walls of the excavation or use a protective system, and provide head protection. In 2017, OSHA cited Jax Utilities Management Inc. for a similar violation involving lack of cave-in protection.

“Excavation work is dangerous if employers fail to take required precautions to identify and eliminate hazards,” said OSHA Jacksonville Area Office Director Michelle Gonzalez. “Employers can contact OSHA for compliance assistance with trenching and excavation requirements.”

OSHA recently updated the national emphasis program on preventing injuries related to trenching and excavation collapses. The agency’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.

The company has 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.

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 https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.