The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Hensel Phelps Construction Co. and CVI Development LLC for exposing workers to excavation hazards. The two contractors face a total of four violations and up to $88,000 in fines.
Video: Trenching & Excavation Safety
Both contractors were cited for one willful violation for failing to adequately protect workers at the new central library project excavation site in downtown Austin, Texas. CVI also received two serious violations for failing to provide supports where material was excavated below a structure and for not removing exposed workers from an excavation where the employer identified a hazardous condition.
Trenching and Excavation Safety Fact Sheet
Hensel was fined $70,000 and CVI was fined $18,000.
OSHA: Safe Work Practices for Excavation and Trenching
View the citations: https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CVIDevelopmentLLC_1046044_0903_2015.pdf and https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/HenselPhelpsConstructionCo_1046163_0903_2015.pdf.
Hensel Phelps Construction, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, and CVI Development, headquartered in Austin, have 15 business days from receipt of their citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
