A Frisco, Texas, utility contractor violated mandated workplace safety requirements when it permitted two workers to enter a trench without a safety system, which resulted in one laborer’s death.
The workmen dug the trench to repair a main sewer line. One laborer was killed when the trench collapsed and engulfed him. The second employee managed to escape the collapse, according to a Dec. 22 U.S. Department of Labor news release.
"Bandera Utility Contractor Inc. ignored federal safety requirements and sent these workers into an unprotected trench," OSHA Regional Administrator in Dallas Basil Singh said in the release. "Now, a worker's family, friends and co-workers are left to grieve this tragic, and avoidable, loss. Incidents like this are inexcusable and can be avoided by following well-established processes that comply with OSHA standards.
The company reportedly failed to install a trench protective system and used a damaged ladder that did not extend far enough above ground level as required by OSHA standards, according to the release. Bandera Utility also failed to inspect the trench at the start of each shift before employees were allowed to work in the excavation.
Bandera Utility, a Frisco-based company with 130 employees, offers underground utility services targeted at managing projects for developers and governments around Texas. The company’s main services for residential and commercial projects in Texas include storm sewer, water, sanitary sewer and duct banks, the release reported.
