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OSHA News Release (Archived)
2007 - 09/10/2007 - U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA proposes $55,000 in penalties against Conyers, Ga.-based Rockdale Pipeline Inc. for trenching violations |
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
Region 4 News Release: 07-1305-ATL (241) Sept. 10, 2007 Contact: Dan Fuqua Michael Wald Phone: (404) 562-2078 (404) 562-2076 U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA proposes $55,000 in penalties against Conyers, Ga.-based Rockdale Pipeline Inc. for trenching violations
ATLANTA -- The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed penalties of $55,000 against Conyers, Ga.-based Rockdale Pipeline Inc. for five violations of the department’s trenching safety standards at two construction sites in the Atlanta area. The violations were uncovered as part of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on trenching and excavation, one of the nation’s most hazardous construction operations. “Employers are obligated to maintain a safe work environment and provide their employees with the proper protection so that cave-ins do not occur,” said Andre Richards, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-West Area Office. The department has proposed citations for one willful violation with a penalty of $40,000, one repeat violation with a $6,000 penalty and three serious violations carrying penalties of $9,000. All of the violations are associated with trenching hazards that exposed employees to possible injury or death. Specifically, the violations include improper shoring, improper use of ladders, excavated material located too near a trench, and employees working in trenches without proper protection or sloping. 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’s mission is to assure the safety and health of America’s working men and women by preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The agency has a vigorous enforcement program, having conducted 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 sets and enforces standards; provides training, outreach and education; establishes partnerships; and encourages continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
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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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