March 31, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – 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.
FAQs: San Diego Construction Firm Penalized
Why was the San Diego construction firm penalized by Cal/OSHA?
The San Diego construction firm penalized received $157K in fines for failing to provide cave-in protection, conduct inspections, and implement a safety program.
What safety violations were linked to the San Diego construction firm penalized by Cal/OSHA?
Violations included no Injury and Illness Prevention Program, inadequate trench inspections, and lack of protective systems against cave-ins.
Can a construction firm penalized by Cal/OSHA appeal its citation?
Yes. Employers have 15 working days to appeal Cal/OSHA citations through the Cal/OSHA Appeals Board process.
How can workers report unsafe conditions at a construction firm penalized for safety violations?
Workers can confidentially report hazards to Cal/OSHA district offices, regardless of immigration status, to protect workplace safety.
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