Fatal Trench Collapse: A federal investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that Patriot Paving Group LLC, a Glenburn, Maine-based contractor, ignored multiple warnings and its own safety protocols before a deadly accident at a Brownville worksite. The incident occurred in June 2024 when an unbraced retaining wall collapsed, crushing one worker while another narrowly escaped.
Fatal Trench Collapse: Timeline of the Incident
Two employees were installing storm drainage pipes in a three-to-four-foot-deep trench when Clifford Lane, the company’s owner, operated an excavator dangerously close to the retaining wall. The excavation destabilized the wall, causing a 40-to-60-foot-long section to collapse. Despite being aware of the wall’s instability, Lane failed to implement necessary safety measures or evacuate workers from the hazardous area, according to OSHA investigators.
OSHA’s Findings and Penalties
OSHA’s investigation identified five willful violations, including:
- Failing to brace the retaining wall.
- Exposing workers to struck-by and caught-between hazards.
- Not evacuating employees from the trench after identifying imminent dangers.
- Neglecting to train three employees on trench safety hazards.
As a result, OSHA proposed fines totaling $161,325. Patriot Paving Group LLC now faces a 15-business-day window to either comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations through OSHA’s independent review commission.
Lessons in Safety Compliance
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols, particularly in hazardous industries such as excavation and site preparation. The consequences of neglecting safety warnings and plans can be catastrophic, as demonstrated in this case.
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