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OSHA News Release (Archived)
2007 - 09/26/2007 - U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $129,500 penalty against utility contractor for seven safety violations at Rome, Ga., trenching site |
OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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Region 4 News Release: 07-1427-ATL (254) Sept. 26, 2007 Contact: Dan Fuqua Michael Wald Phone: (404) 562-2078 (404) 562-2076 U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $58,800 in fines against Gainesville, Ga.-based Dutton Grading for safety violations at Atlanta site
ATLANTA -- John Romines, which does business as S.A.M. Grading & Pipeline Inc., faces $129,500 in proposed penalties from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for several alleged safety violations. OSHA's inspection occurred after a building inspector notified the agency about safety hazards at a Rome, Ga., trenching site and the company's owner ignored his requests to correct them. The inspector, who had attended an OSHA multi-day course on trenching and excavation, was familiar with the agency's requirements for sloping, shoring and benching. "This employer failed to heed the building inspector's warnings and continued to expose employees to trenching hazards," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office. "Trenching remains one of the most hazardous jobs in construction, and employers who ignore OSHA's regulations can expect significant penalties." Three willful violations, with proposed penalties of $115,500, were issued for not providing a safe means of egress from a trench, not keeping material at least two feet from the trench edge, and exposing employees to potential cave-in hazards. 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. The company also was issued four serious safety violations, with proposed penalties of $14,000, for not properly training employees, not requiring employees to wear head protection, not using fall protection while using a work board over a deep trench, and not protecting employees from being struck by large rocks. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to contest them and the proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office, 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga.; telephone (770) 984-8700. OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 38,000 inspections last year and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last seven years. In fiscal year 2006, OSHA found nearly 84,000 violations of its standards and regulations. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate 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) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |
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