US Department of Labor proposes $198K in penalties to Grand Junction foundation repair company for willful, serious trenching safety violations

Employer name:       Groundworks Colorado LLC

                                          2575 U.S. 6 & 50, Unit A

                                          Grand Junction, CO 81501                    

Citations issued:      Groundworks Colorado LLC

                                         One willful violation and five serious violations                      

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations for one willful and five serious violations to Groundworks Colorado LLC, doing business as Foundation Repair of Western Colorado. OSHA found the company willfully allowed workers to work in trenches up to 10 feet, 6 inches deep without protective or retaining devices in place.

The agency identified serious violations for allowing workers in trenches up to 10 feet, 6 inches without protective helmets, ladders or other safe means of egress. They also determined workers had not received training on trenching hazards or how to recognize and control those hazards. The company also failed to have a competent person inspect the trenches prior to the start of work, and allowed excavated materials to be placed within 2 feet of the excavation’s edge.

Proposed penalties: $198,893

Quote: “Every year, workers are hurt or killed in trench incidents that could have been prevented. Our investigation determined that Groundworks required workers to enter trenches that it knew were unsafe. They are extremely lucky their willful negligence has not led to a tragedy,” said OSHA Area Director Amanda Kupper in Denver. “Employers in the excavation industry must never allow their employees to be exposed to the risk of deadly cave-in hazards.”

Links to citations: Groundworks Colorado LLC citations