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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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OSHA News Release
2002 - 07/25/2002 - Worker's Death at Franklinton Worksite Brings OSHA Penalties of $64,050 |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 6 News Release: OSHA-02-125 Thurs., July 25, 2002 Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221 OSHA Penalties of $64,050 DALLAS -- A Baton Rouge company's alleged failure to protect employees from trench cave-ins has resulted in the death of one employee and proposed penalties of $64,050 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. General Engineering & Environmental Companies Inc., headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., was cited with four alleged safety violations following an OSHA inspection that began Feb. 23. The inspection was made following notification of a trench collapse at the company's worksite in Franklinton, La., resulting in a fatality. The company provides trenching, surveying and engineering services. Three alleged willful violations were cited for failing to protect employees working inside trenches from cave-ins, failing to properly slope and/or shore trenches and failing to take appropriate measure when a cave-in hazard is recognized. A willful violation is defined as an intentional disregard of or plain indifference to the requirements of the OSHA Act and regulations. The one alleged serious violation was issued for failing to provide employees with head protection while exposed to falling soil deposits. A serious violation is one that could cause death or serious physical harm to employees and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard. "A company's failure to protect its workers from cave-ins is simply unacceptable," said John Miles, OSHA's regional administrator in Dallas. "Adhering to OSHA standards regarding the proper sloping, shoring and shielding of an excavation site can save lives." Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's toll-free hotline number at 1-800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities, or situations posing imminent danger to workers. General Engineering & Environmental Companies has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the Baton Rouge area office, or to contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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