OSHA cites Glenburn, Maine contractor in fatal trench collapse at Brownville worksite
(UI) – A federal workplace safety investigation has revealed that a Glenburn-based contractor ignored critical safety warnings, resulting in a fatal incident at a Brownville worksite in June 2024.
Patriot Paving Group LLC, a general contractor, was cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after one of its workers was crushed to death when an unbraced retaining wall collapsed at the site.
The incident occurred while two workers were installing storm drainage pipes in a trench that was three to four feet deep. At the same time, company owner Clifford Lane operated an excavator near the base of the retaining wall, destabilizing it. The wall, which was 40 to 60 feet long, tipped over, striking one of the workers, who died from the injuries. The other worker managed to escape unscathed.
OSHA's investigation found that Lane was aware the wall was unstable but continued excavating without using the necessary protective systems or evacuating the workers. The excavation created clear hazards for those in the area.
The investigation led to five willful violations being cited against Patriot Paving Group, with proposed penalties of $161,325. The violations included:
- Failure to brace the retaining wall, exposing employees to struck-by and caught-between hazards.
- Failure to remove employees from the hazardous trench.
- Lack of training for employees in trench-related hazards.
“Warnings were clear, yet Clifford Lane chose to ignore them, prioritizing progress over safety and endangering workers’ lives,” said OSHA Area Director Samuel Kondrup in Augusta. "There is no excuse for so callously endangering workers' lives."
OSHA has recently launched a National Emphasis Program focusing on trenching and excavation operations to reduce hazards and prevent fatalities.
Patriot Paving Group specializes in residential and commercial paving, excavation, and stormwater drainage services. The company has 15 business days to respond to the citations, either by complying, requesting a conference with OSHA's area director, or contesting the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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