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Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OSHA News Release
2005 - 10/13/2005 - OSHA Cites Paramount Contracting for Trenching Hazards at Alpharetta Job Site |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
Region 4 News Release: 05-1951-ATL (262) Date: Thursday, October 13, 2005 Contact: Andre Richards Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (770) 984-8700 (404) 562-2076 OSHA Cites Paramount Contracting for Trenching Hazards at Alpharetta Job Site
ATLANTA -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Morrow-based Paramount Contracting, and proposed penalties totaling $51,000, for safety hazards at an Alpharetta job site. "Strong enforcement is a key part of OSHA's commitment to reduce trenching accidents in Georgia," said Andre Richards, OSHA's Atlanta-West area director. "This employer was aware of the dangers but did not protect workers." OSHA issued one willful citation to the company, with a proposed penalty of $49,000, for allowing employees to work in a 12-foot-deep excavation that had not been shored or sloped to prevent the walls from collapsing. The company also received a serious citation, with a proposed penalty of $2,000, for failing to remove workers from the excavation when there was evidence of hazardous conditions that could result in a cave-in. OSHA issues a willful citation when an employer has shown an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations. Paramount Contracting had been cited in April for the same unsafe condition. Richards added, "Industry associations, along with firefighter search and rescue teams throughout the state, recognize the need to reduce trenching hazards. They have voluntarily joined with OSHA and Georgia Tech to promote safe work practices, including safety training for employers and employees." The company has 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The plant was inspected by staff from OSHA's Atlanta-West area office located at 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga., phone: (770) 984-8700. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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