San Diego, CA — The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued $157,500 in citations to W.A. Rasic Construction following a tragic fatal trench collapse at one of their job sites. The incident occurred on August 28, 2024, leading to the death of an employee working in an unprotected excavation.

Incident Details

The fatal accident took place around 3:00 a.m. when a 17-foot-deep trench collapsed. During the collapse, a concrete pipe was displaced and pinned the worker, ultimately leading to their death. Cal/OSHA’s investigation into the incident revealed several significant violations of workplace safety standards related to excavation and trench safety protocols.

Cal/OSHA’s Response

Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee emphasized the importance of enforcing safety regulations and holding employers accountable:
“No worker should lose their life due to preventable safety failures. We will continue to enforce trench safety regulations, hold employers accountable, and work to ensure that safety standards are upheld to protect workers.”

Specific Violations Identified by Cal/OSHA

The investigation uncovered multiple safety failures that contributed to the tragic accident:

Failure to Implement an Effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program

‍W.A. Rasic Construction failed to establish a proper program to identify, evaluate, and correct workplace hazards, as well as provide adequate training. This violation left workers exposed to the risks associated with working in an unshored trench, a danger that could have been avoided.

Failure to Conduct Proper Site Inspections

‍The company failed to conduct adequate inspections of the excavation site, missing critical signs of danger that could have resulted in cave-ins. Proper inspections could have identified the lack of necessary protective measures such as trench boxes or shoring systems, which could have prevented the collapse.

Lack of Cave-In Protection

‍The company did not provide the necessary protective systems to prevent a cave-in in the 17-foot trench. The absence of this essential safety equipment exposed workers to fatal injury, as seen in this tragic incident.

Employer’s Right to Appeal

Under California law, employers can appeal any Cal/OSHA citation or penalty notification. An appeal must be filed within 15 working days from the date of receiving the citation.

Cal/OSHA’s Role and Resources

Cal/OSHA works to ensure workplace health and safety standards are met in nearly all job sites across California. If employers or workers need assistance with safety programs or have concerns about workplace safety, they can contact Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

Additionally, workers in California are protected by workplace safety laws regardless of their immigration status. Anyone with concerns about safety and health at their workplace can reach a bilingual representative at 833-579-0927 between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Complaints can be filed confidentially at any Cal/OSHA district office.

This tragedy underscores the critical importance of trench safety in construction work. Every year, accidents like this remind us that failing to follow safety standards in excavation work can lead to devastating consequences. It is vital for construction companies to maintain a culture of safety and to prioritize worker well-being. Employers must take necessary actions to prevent similar accidents from occurring, such as implementing comprehensive safety training programs and ensuring proper protective equipment is available and used.

The construction industry has seen a steady rise in fines and citations related to excavation safety violations, making it clear that authorities like Cal/OSHA are increasing enforcement efforts. Industry experts stress the need for ongoing awareness and adherence to safety practices in all aspects of construction, especially when working in high-risk environments like trenches.

Originally reported by DIR, State of California.