Cal/OSHA cites contractor after deadly 17-foot trench collapse
(UI) — California workplace safety officials have fined W. A. Rasic Construction $157,500 for multiple violations following a fatal trench collapse that killed a worker in August 2024.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) issued the citations after investigating the incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on August 28, 2024. A worker was inside a 17-foot-deep trench when it partially collapsed, causing a concrete pipe to shift and pin the employee, who died at the scene.
Cal/OSHA found that the employer failed to follow trench safety regulations and cited the company for three major violations:
- Lack of an effective injury and illness prevention program: Inspectors determined the company did not have adequate procedures in place to identify and correct hazards or train employees, exposing them to unsafe conditions.
- Inadequate site inspection: The trench was not properly assessed for cave-in risks, and no protective systems—such as trench boxes or shoring—were in use at the time of the collapse.
- Failure to provide cave-in protection: The 17-foot trench lacked required protective systems, which could have prevented the collapse and fatality.
“No worker should lose their life due to preventable safety failures,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee. “We will continue to enforce trench safety regulations, hold employers accountable and work to ensure that safety standards are upheld to protect workers.”
Employers have the right to appeal citations within 15 working days of receiving notification from Cal/OSHA.
Related News
From Archive
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion
Comments