OSHA cites Florida company for trench hazards

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Thursday said it has cited Tallahassee, Florida-based R.A.W. Construction L.L.C. for exposing its employees to trench collapse hazards.

As part of OSHA’s national emphasis program on trenching and excavation, an August investigation of the company’s Loganville, Florida, worksite, identified two repeat and five serious violations, including failure to provide cave-in protection and safe access and egress to employees installing gas lines at the excavation site, along with not setting excavated materials at least 2 feet from the excavation, the agency said in a statement. R.A.W. Construction faces $148,845 in proposed penalties, the department added.

“Employees who enter unprotected trenches face the risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries. It is vitally important that employers train their employees to recognize and avoid trenching and excavation hazards,” said William Fulcher, Atlanta-East area office director at OSHA.

R.A.W. Construction could not be immediately reached for comment.