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OSHA Cites Contractor at Jacksonville
Marine Corps Air Base
The U.S. Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
has cited an excavation contractor in Greenville, N.C., for allegedly
exposing workers to trenching hazards at the New River Marine
Corps Air Station in Jacksonville, N.C. The
agency is proposing penalties totaling $44,500.
A federal OSHA inspector,
who was at the base August 22, 2006 observed the trenching hazards
and began an immediate inspection at the water-treatment plant
construction site.
"The quick action taken
by this compliance officer likely prevented a tragedy,"
said Suzanne Street, OSHA's area director in Raleigh, N.C. "Although
a portion of the trench wall had collapsed following a heavy
rainfall, two company employees were sent into the unprotected
trench to dig around a new pipe, so that the sewer inspector
could see the connection."
OSHA issued one willful citation
with a $42,000 proposed penalty for allowing employees to work
in a trench more than 5 feet deep without shoring, sloping or
a protective system that would prevent trench walls from collapsing.
OSHA issues a willful citation when an employer has shown an
intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements
of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations.
The company also received
one serious citation with a $2,500 proposed penalty for failing
to properly support or protect an existing gas main that ran
through the excavation. A serious citation is issued when there
is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm
could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of
the hazards.
Most job safety and health
inspections in the state are conducted by the North Carolina
Department of Labor; however, federal OSHA retains jurisdiction
on military posts and other federal property.
Under the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing
a safe and healthful workplace for their employees.
Source: OSHA News Releases
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