May 28, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Georgia Contractor For Exposing Employees to Excavation Hazards

DULUTH, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Construction Management & Engineering Services Inc. for exposing employees to excavation hazards at a Duluth, Georgia, worksite. The Norcross, Georgia-based construction contractor faces $134,937 in penalties.

OSHA initiated the inspection after receiving a complaint and as part of the National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation. The agency cited the company for failing to provide cave-in protection for employees working in an excavation.

"Working in an unprotected excavation is a hazard that puts workers at risk of serious and fatal injuries," said OSHA Atlanta-East Acting Area Office Director William Cochran. "Employers can contact OSHA for compliance assistance with trenching and excavation requirements."

OSHA recently updated the national emphasis program on preventing injuries related to trenching and excavation collapses. The agency's trenching and excavation webpage provides additional information on trenching hazards and solutions, including a trenching operations QuickCard and a "Protect Workers in Trenches" poster.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contacts:

Michael D'Aquino, 678-237-0630, daquino.michael@dol.gov
Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number: 20-1035-ATL (212)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).