March 26, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – Trench Accident Penalty: The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued $157,500 in citations to W. A. Rasic Construction for multiple safety violations following a fatal trench collapse. The tragic incident claimed the life of an employee working in an unprotected excavation.
Incident Details and Investigation Findings
What Happened:
On August 28, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., a worker was inside a 17-foot-deep trench when part of it collapsed. The collapse displaced a concrete pipe, which pinned and killed the employee.
Cal/OSHA’s Findings:
The investigation identified serious violations related to excavation and trench safety. The employer failed to protect workers from preventable hazards, resulting in the fatal incident. Trench Accident Penalty
Cal/OSHA Chief’s Statement
Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee emphasized the importance of workplace safety. She stated:
“No worker should lose their life due to preventable safety failures. We will continue to enforce trench safety regulations, hold employers accountable, and work to ensure that safety standards are upheld to protect workers.”
Violations Identified by Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA cited W. A. Rasic Construction for the following safety violations:
- Failure to Implement an Effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program:
The company did not establish a proper program to identify, evaluate, and correct workplace hazards. This failure exposed employees to the dangers of working in an unshored trench, violating long-standing safety regulations. - Failure to Inspect the Excavation Site Properly:
Inspectors failed to identify conditions that could lead to dangerous cave-ins. The absence of protective systems like trench boxes or shoring significantly increased the risk of collapse. - Failure to Provide Adequate Cave-In Protection:
Employees were working in a 17-foot-deep excavation without necessary cave-in protection. This critical safety lapse led to the fatal incident and put workers at extreme risk.
Employer’s Right to Appeal
Employers have the right to appeal Cal/OSHA citations and penalties. They must file an appeal with the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board within 15 working days of receiving the citation.
About Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA safeguards workers from health and safety hazards in nearly every workplace in California. Employers and workers can contact Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424 for assistance with workplace safety programs.
Workers’ Rights
All workers in California are protected regardless of immigration status. Workers with safety concerns can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a bilingual Cal/OSHA representative between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday). Complaints about workplace hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.
For readers seeking official details, link directly to Cal/OSHA’s updates: Read Cal/OSHA’s official workplace safety news releases.
FAQs: Trench Accident Penalty
What led to the trench accident penalty issued by Cal/OSHA?
The penalty stemmed from a fatal 17-foot trench collapse in 2024 where safety protections were not in place.
How much was the trench accident penalty against W. A. Rasic Construction?
Cal/OSHA issued $157,500 in fines for serious violations, including lack of cave-in protection.
What safety violations were linked to the trench accident penalty?
Violations included failure to implement a prevention program, failure to inspect the excavation site, and lack of trench protection systems.
Can companies appeal a trench accident penalty in California?
Yes. Employers have 15 working days to file an appeal with the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board.
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