OSHA fines Calif. company for violations that led to fatal trench collapse
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued $157,500 in citations to W. A. Rasic Construction for multiple violations of workplace safety regulations following a fatal trench collapse. The incident resulted in the tragic death of an employee working in an unprotected excavation.
On August 28, 2024, at around 3:00 a.m., a worker was inside a 17-foot-deep trench when a portion of it collapsed. The collapse caused a concrete pipe to be displaced, pinning and killing the employee. Cal/OSHA’s investigation identified serious violations of workplace safety regulations related to excavation and trench safety.
“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.”
The violations identified by Cal/OHSA included:
- failure to implement an effective injury and illness prevention program
- failure to conduct a proper inspection of the excavation site
- failure to provide adequate cave-in protection
W.A. Rasic Construction will have the right to appeal the Cal/OSHA citation within 15 working days from notification.
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