Boise Contractor Facing $106K in Fines for Trenching Violation

Inspectors found employees inside a 7-ft.-deep trench without cave-in protection

November 7, 2017

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Alta Construction Inc. for one willful and two serious violations after failing to follow safe trenching practices. OSHA proposed $106,000 in fines.

In May, OSHA inspected the company’s jobsite after receiving two complaints of unsafe trenching operations. Inspectors found employees inside a 7-ft.-deep trench without cave-in protection.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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