August 1, 2024

Department of Labor investigation of trench fatality finds El Paso contractor repeatedly, willfully failed to follow federal safety measures

CMD Endeavors faces $260K in penalties after being cited 6 times for similar violations

EL PASO, TX – An El Paso contractor could have prevented a 37-year-old employee from suffering fatal injuries in February 2024 by following federally required safety standards to avoid trench collapses, the same failure for which the U.S. Department of Labor has cited the employer six times since 2015.

The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined a pipe layer for CMD Endeavors Inc. was allowed to work in an excavation without a proper protective system. The trench collapsed, causing piece of asphalt to fall and severely injure the worker who later died in an area hospital. The City of El Paso had contracted the company for  pipework for the Cedar Grove Waterline Replacement project, part of an ongoing citywide initiative.

"Despite repeated citations and warnings about the dangers of unprotected trenches, CMD Endeavors has ignored the hazards for nearly a decade, and now an employee has lost their life," explained OSHA Area Director Diego Alvarado, Jr. in El Paso, Texas. "Rather than protecting its workers from this workplace hazard, the company did nothing to prevent this tragedy and leaves a family, friends and co-workers to grieve a needless loss."

OSHA issued citations to CMD Endeavors for one willful and one serious violation and two repeat violations related to its failures to provide adequate systems to prevent trench cave-ins, stop nearby materials from falling into the trench, ensure a trench exit within 25 feet, and support adjacent pavement. The company faces $260,848 in proposed penalties.

Established in 2009, CMD Endeavors Inc. is a general contractor providing public and private sector clients with heavy construction, earthwork, site-work and water and wastewater utility infrastructure projects. The company serves clients from West Texas to Southern New Mexico.

CMD Endeavors Inc. 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.

Learn about trenching and excavation safety.              

Learn more about OSHA.

Media Contacts:

Juan J. Rodríguez, 972-850-4709, rodriguez.juan@dol.gov
Chauntra Rideaux, 972-850-4710, rideaux.chauntra.d@dol.gov

Release Number: 24-1579-DAL