BOISE, ID – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Alta Construction, Inc. for one willful and two serious violations after failing to follow safe trenching practices. OSHA proposed $106,000 in fines.
In May, OSHA inspected the company’s jobsite 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 Area Director David Kearns, in Boise.
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.
