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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 12/15/2003 - Warwick, R.I., Contractor Faces $140,800 in OSHA Fines for Ongoing Failure to Supply Cave-In Protection for Workers |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 1 03-832-BOS /BOS 2003-323 December 15, 2003 Contact: Ted Fitzgerald Phone: (617) 565-2074 Warwick, R.I., Contractor Faces $140,800 in OSHA Fines for Ongoing Failure to Supply Cave-In Protection for Workers PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A Warwick, R.I., plumbing contractor that was cited by the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration last summer in connection with the February death of a worker in a Woonsocket cave-in faces an additional $140,800 in fines for failing to ensure cave-in protection for its workers at another job site. "This Administration will respond aggressively with maximum fines and stringent enforcement measures when repeat offenders continue to endanger their workers. This contractor now faces an additional $140,800 in fines," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. In the latest case, Greenwood Plumbing, Heating and Solar, Inc., d/b/a Mr. Rooter, was cited for alleged willful and serious violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act at a residential sewer repair project on Pine Street in Cranston. OSHA began its inspection on July 2 after being notified that employees were working in an unprotected eight-foot deep trench at that location. OSHA's inspection found employees working in unprotected areas of the excavation and working in a trench box that was too small for the excavation, hazards that were exacerbated by the placement of excavated soil next to the trench. As a result, two willful citations, each carrying the maximum fine of $70,000, were issued. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations. The company was also issued a serious citation, and fined $800, for using a defective ladder to enter and exit the trench. OSHA defines a serious violation as one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard. On Feb. 21, a Greenwood worker died in the collapse of an unprotected 11-foot-deep trench at 60 Mendon Road in Woonsocket. OSHA cited Greenwood in August for alleged willful and serious violations for failure to supply cave-in protection, train employees, inspect the trench and properly store excavated materials. A total of $89,000 in fines was proposed. The company is contesting these citations and fines. Greenwood Plumbing has 15 business days from receipt of its latest citations and proposed penalties to either elect to comply with them, to request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA's Providence area office conducted the inspection. Its telephone number is 528-4669. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries and illnesses, and protecting America's workers. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
The information in this release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (617) 565-2072. TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) Message Referral Phone: 800-347-8029. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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