Illinois Contractor Ignored Safety Warnings, Putting Workers at Risk of Deadly Trench Hazards
Construction sites can be dangerous places if proper safety measures are not followed. Unfortunately, Groundworks Contracting Inc., a Breese contractor in Illinois, neglected to heed the city engineer’s warnings about the potential dangers of trench cave-ins. As a result, federal workplace safety inspectors discovered that the employer failed to protect its workers from potentially fatal accidents on multiple occasions. This blog post sheds light on the violations committed by Groundworks Contracting Inc. and the proposed penalties they now face.
The Gravity of Trench Hazards
Trench collapses are considered one of the most hazardous risks in the construction industry. The sheer weight and force of soil can quickly trap and suffocate workers, leading to severe injuries and even death. Shockingly, in 2022 alone, 39 workers lost their lives due to trenching and excavation accidents. These alarming statistics highlight the critical importance of adhering to safety guidelines and regulations in the construction sector.
Groundworks Contracting Inc.’s Negligence
Between November 2022 and January 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated Groundworks Contracting Inc. at the Silvercreek Crossing residential housing development in Waterloo, Illinois. The inspection revealed that the company repeatedly placed its workers in perilous situations. On five separate occasions, employees were found working in trenches as deep as 18 feet without the necessary cave-in protection.
Violations Uncovered
OSHA inspectors identified several serious violations committed by Groundworks Contracting Inc. The company failed to provide required cave-in protection and head protection to its workers. Furthermore, employees were not adequately trained to recognize and address cave-in hazards. The absence of a competent person on-site to inspect trenches before workers entered was also noted as a violation. In one particular incident, a laborer was endangered when they were lifted in an excavator’s bucket to perform work over a 15-foot-deep trench, without any protective measures in place.
Consequences and Penalties
Due to the contractor’s blatant disregard for worker safety, OSHA cited Groundworks Contracting Inc. for one willful violation, four serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation of federal trenching and excavation standards. The proposed penalties amount to a staggering $77,147. This serves as a stern reminder that the safety of workers should always be a top priority, and negligence will not go unpunished.
Trench Safety Equipment: Trench Boxes Manhole Boxes, Bedding Boxes, Road Plates
Emphasizing Trench Safety
To combat the alarming number of trench-related accidents, OSHA has implemented a national emphasis program on trenching and excavations. This program highlights the necessity of protective systems for trenches deeper than 5 feet, maintaining a safe distance between soil and the trench edge, and proper inspections by knowledgeable personnel. In conjunction with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), OSHA will conduct Trench Safety Stand Down Week from June 19 to 23, 2023. This initiative aims to raise awareness and promote safe practices at construction sites across the country.
The case of Groundworks Contracting Inc. in Illinois serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within construction sites, particularly when trenching and excavation work is involved. It is imperative that contractors and employers prioritize the safety and well-being of their workers by strictly adhering to safety regulations and guidelines. Let this incident be a wake-up call for the industry, urging all stakeholders to take proactive measures and ensure that no worker’s life is needlessly endangered due to negligence.
