OSHA Cites Telecom Contractor for Excavation Hazard After Fatal Accident

Thursday, July 23, 2020 | 0

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Triple S Communications Inc. of Georgia for trenching and excavation violations after a worker was fatally injured in a trench collapse.

The telecommunications installation contractor headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia, faces $58,025 in penalties.

OSHA said an employee of Triple S was working on fiber-optic connections when he was killed in a trench collapse.

OSHA cited the company for failing to train employees on how to recognize trench safety hazards, have a competent person conduct trench inspections, provide a safe means of egress from the excavation, and prevent water accumulation inside the excavation.

OSHA also cited the employer for allowing employees to work in the 10-foot excavation without shoring, sloping or shielding trench walls, and failing to report a fatality within eight hours, as required.

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 Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.