San Diego, CA – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) fined W.A. Rasic Construction, a San Diego construction firm, $157,500 for multiple violations of safety regulations. This fine follows a fatal trench collapse on August 28, 2024, in which an employee tragically lost their life while working in an unprotected excavation.
What Happened: Fatal Trench Collapse in San Diego
On August 28, 2024, at around 3:00 a.m., a worker was inside a 17-foot-deep trench at the construction site when the trench suddenly collapsed. The collapse displaced a concrete pipe, pinning the worker and causing fatal injuries. Cal/OSHA’s investigation revealed several serious violations related to excavation and trench safety.
Cal/OSHA Findings: Serious Violations at the San Diego Construction Site
Several critical safety violations contributed to the fatal incident:
- No Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
The company failed to implement an effective IIPP, exposing workers to unnecessary risks, especially in unshored trenches. - Inadequate Excavation Inspections
W.A. Rasic Construction did not conduct adequate inspections of the excavation site. These inspections could have detected cave-in hazards and the lack of proper trench protection. - Lack of Cave-In Protection
Without the necessary cave-in protection, such as trench boxes or shoring, workers were put at risk of fatal injuries.
Cal/OSHA Chief’s Statement
Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee emphasized the importance of enforcing safety regulations: “No worker should lose their life due to preventable safety failures. We will continue to enforce trench safety rules and hold employers accountable.”
Workers’ Rights and Employer Appeals
Employers, including San Diego construction firms, have the right to appeal any Cal/OSHA citation. Appeals must be filed within 15 working days. For further details, visit the Cal/OSHA Appeals Page.
Additionally, workers, regardless of immigration status, are protected under Cal/OSHA regulations. They can file confidential complaints with Cal/OSHA’s district offices if they encounter any safety hazards.